Virender Sehwag had started out as a middle-order batsman for India before Sourav Ganguly decided to use him as an opener in what proved to be a masterstroke from the former Indian captain. Sehwag, who is regarded as one of the most explosive openers of all time, recently revealed why Ganguly promoted him as an opener and what made him accept his captain’s proposal.
Sehwag made his international debut for India in April 1999 in an ODI against Pakistan under Ajay Jadeja’s captaincy. However, he blossomed as a swashbuckling opener under Ganguly, who had a huge role to play in shaping the former batsman’s international career. Sehwag revealed it was Ganguly’s belief in him and the backing which gave him the confidence to open for India.
“He explained to me that the opening slot was vacant, so if I take it, my place in the side will be guaranteed. But in case I was against the idea and wanted to stick to the middle order, he explained, I would have to wait for someone to get injured. But what convinced me was his very practical suggestion that he was to give me later. He said, “I will give you three to four innings as an opener. Even if you fail, you will continue to play. And before I drop you, I will again give you a chance in the middle (order),” he added.
