Sehwag looks forward to his dream 100

Virender Sehwag will be knocking on the door of his 100th Test when India play England in the four-match series beginning at Ahmedabad next week.

A milestone achieved by a select few, Sehwag is understandably happy living “his dream” and hopes to do well in the series, which he refused to term a revenge opportunity for India.

Sehwag, who has been going through a lean patch, hopes to turn a new leaf with the first Test on November 15. The next in Mumbai will be his 100th.

“When I started my dream was to play for India. When I played for India, everybody started saying that I have the talent, and if I work hard and remain fit I should be able to play 100 Tests. So then it was my dream to play 100 Tests. I am happy that I will be fulfilling that dream. Hopefully I will deliver in the England series,” he saod during a promotional event on Tuesday.

Tough series

England had whitewashed India at home last year but the 34-year-old opener predicted the series would be tough and stressed on the need to perform up to expectations. “I can’t say the series is about revenge and all. It is important for us to play well and win the series. England is a good side. Many of us played first class cricket to prepare for the series. It will be a tough series and it will not be easy for England,” the Najafgarh Nawab said.

Sehwag warmed up for the series with a fluent century, batting in the middle-order for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh on Monday, though in a losing cause. He batted with a hurt finger in the second innings.

“I am happy to have scored a hundred, but disappointed that we could not draw the match. My finger is much better now,” he said. 

Does he feel he has regained his touch with the hundred?  “That is for you to judge,” he responded.

It was after a long time that most top national stars played for their state teams. Asked why the stars skipped domestic events, Sehwag said: “I can only speak for myself. Whenever I get a chance I play domestic matches. You have to see that it is a four-match series and the body also needs proper rest.”

Sehwag draws inspiration from his triple century against South Africa in Chennai in March 2008 that helped him turn a corner.

“I always rated the second triple century higher than the first. It was an important series. I was making a comeback to the Test team. The bowling and the conditions were difficult. It showed that Virender Sehwag was not finished yet. It was memorable,” the dashing opener fondly recalled.