VIRENDER SEHWAG

Witty, humorous Sehwag regales media

Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi, Oct 31, 2008: When Virender Sehwag speaks, everyone listens. His press conferences comprise amusing answers and witty one-liners, and are a treat as was evident here at the Ferozshah Kotla on Friday (Oct 31, 2008). His answers are usually blunt but brutally honest and many of them had the media in splits and brought some freshness inside the non-air conditioned, suffocating press conference hall. Even his snubs are laced with unique humour, compelling people to burst into laugher.

Even when Sehwag, who was the most successful bowler with 22-4-66-3 on the third day of the third Test against Australia here todasy, does not have answers to awkward questions or wants to avoid straight replies, he has a knack of deftly steering clear. Usually, most of his answers are as straightforward as his “uncluttered mind” (as Greg Chappell once termed him) and simple but effective batting style.

When someone asked him when would India be able to bowl out Australia on Saturday, Sehwag said: “I will tell you tomorrow.” And people laughed. Next question: “Do you think India will be able to enforce the follow-on?” Pat came the answer: “I will tell you this also tomorrow.” This drew even a bigger laughter.

Asked about the status of Anil Kumble’s hand injury, Sehwag innocently said: “How would I know about it? I was on the field throughout the day.” The gathering was in splits now, even though the media knew that he was avoiding a direct answer.

Replying to a question as to which team is at an advantage at the end of day three, Sehwag threw up another gem: “The match is in no one’s favour right now. It can go either way. We will have to see how it goes tomorrow morning."

Like his adeptness at verbal volleys, Sehwag is also in fine form with the bat these days. His last nine Test innings have been 201 not out, 50, 21, 34, 45, 6, 35, 90 and 1 (in the only innings he has batted at Kotla, his home ground). His fans are expecting him to score a century when he bats a second time at the Kotla.

But so far in the match Sehwag, who is also well known for breaking solid partnerships with his effective off spinners, has shone as a bowler. His viciously turning deliveries have accounted for the top three Aussie batsmen. “I am looking forward to taking my first five-wicket haul in Tests tomorrow,” he offered, even without being asked.

PS: And the next day -- 11 days after he turned 30 -- he actually took his maiden five-wicket haul (40-9-104-5).