'Happily retired' Sehwag enjoying wearing many hats

Image
Press Trust of India Chandigarh
Last Updated : Apr 06 2016 | 5:57 PM IST
Drawing similarities between life and cricket, retired swashbuckling India opener Virender Sehwag today said he is enjoying wearing many hats - of being a commentator and mentor of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab.
"In life, we play different roles at different times. Sometimes, one plays the role of a son, then one becomes father, then grandfather and so on. Likewise, cricket is also connected with life, where you have to fit in a different role, you are a player, then sometimes you become a captain or a coach, mentor etc," Sehwag said as the Kings XI Punjab outfit trained ahead of its opening fixture against Gujarat Lions.
In his inimitable style, Sehwag added, "If you don't get these kind of jobs, the commentary is always there. I am enjoying at the moment. I had a good time (doing commentary) at the World T20."
About Sehwag's cricket commentary, former India cricketer Reetinder Sodhi recently tweeted, "Bro ur commentary has that silken touch of wisdom & simplicity which hits the masses hearts..Its the way u batted".
Sehwag, a veteran of 104 Tests with 23 centuries and 251 ODIs, featured as an opener for KXIP during the previous couple of seasons before turning mentor this year.
On his role as mentor, he said, "I am hoping that I will contribute for Kings XI Punjab whichever way I can. I will motivate the youngsters, give them tips on how to improve their game."
When asked how different will the mentor's role be, Sehwag added, "There is no difference. Look, I am wearing the same jersey, which (KXIP captain David) Miller is wearing (who was sitting next to him), name is same Sehwag on my back, couple of sponsors have changed."
To another question, he said, "I will share my experiences with youngsters, with the team, the strategy and the kind of mindset I have, I think I can share the knowledge of game of cricket, role is same."
He said, "Only thing is I will miss playing cricket, but that I will play in different leagues, but not here in IPL, MCL or other leagues. But now I am happily retired."
West Indian legend Vivian Richards may have lauded Sehwag for his strength by going on record that he hits the ball harder than him. However, when a related question was put to him Sehwag said, "That is not mental toughness, that is clear thinking. You have to react to hit the ball. Mental toughness is that you have to be there and put up consistent performances.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 06 2016 | 5:57 PM IST

Next Story