Virender Sehwag, the former explosive opener of the Indian team, told a fascinating anecdote of 2017. He has made a big disclosure regarding the Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble controversy.
Sehwag said Kohli had approached him to take the position following a spat with former India head coach Anil Kumble. Sehwag was the aggressive batsman of his era. Sehwag was the first batsman from India to score a triple century in Tests. The former veteran batsman was offered to coach the India team in 2017.
Sehwag also disclosed the meeting held with BCCI officials for the post of head coach, but he refused it. Anil Kumble was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team in June 2016, but his contract ended after the 2017 Champions Trophy. Kumble resigned from his post after India’s defeat to Pakistan in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Virender Sehwag said that the then BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary told him things were not going well between Kohli and Kumble, and the board wanted him to shoulder the responsibility.
Sehwag said, “I would not have applied if Virat Kohli and BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary had not personally contacted us. We had a meeting in which he (Amitabh Choudhary) told us that things are not going well between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble.” And they want me to take up the coaching position. They told me that Kumble’s tenure will end after the 2017 Champions Trophy, and you can go with the team on the West Indies tour.”
Virender Sehwag was asked if he had any regrets for not captaining the Indian team. On this, the former opener said he is happy with whatever he has achieved in his career. Sehwag said, ‘There is no regret for not captaining the Indian team. I am satisfied with what I have achieved.
Viru further said, “I came from a small family in Najafgarh, and I got a chance to play against India. I got a lot of love and support from the fans. Even if I had captained the Indian team, I would have got the same respect.”
