5 controversial statements of Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag was known for his fierce batting style during his playing days. Such was his clout that his presence on the crease used to daunt bowlers. In October 2015, he bid adieu to international cricket after serving India from 1999-2013. The fearless batter wrapped up his career with 17,253 runs in 374 international games. Since his retirement, he has been working as a cricket expert and is known for giving bold statements.

During his cricketing career, Sehwag gave a lot of blunt statements which attracted the attention of the media and fans. After retirement too, he has maintained his image of an outspoken speaker who expresses his views fearlessly. Recently after India’s embarrassing elimination from the T20 World Cup 2022 too, he presented his views again without mincing words. Former India great criticised India’s approach in the tournament and said that he doesn’t want to see certain faces again in the next T20 World Cup.

Talking more about his controversial statements, here are five instances when Virender Sehwag grabbed media attention with his bold statements

5. Bangladesh can’t beat India, they are an ordinary side - 2010

In January 2010, India toured Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, the Indian cricket team had become the number 1 Test side in December 2009 beating Sri Lanka at home. Before the start of the first Test in Chittagong, India’s vice-captain Virender Sehwag attended a press conference and faced a question regarding Bangladesh surprising India in the longest format.

Reacting to the question, he replied, "no, they can’t beat us in Test matches, they can surprise you in ODIs but not in Tests." He was further asked the reason for the same, Retorting to that question, he said, "because they can’t take 20 Indian wickets. Even Sri Lanka found it difficult. Bangladesh can’t, they are an ordinary side." His answer stunned Bangladeshi journalists and anyone present at the conference.

Coming heavily on Sehwag, the then Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons had said, “He should stay away from mikes, every team has good and bad phases. His comments may bite him on his bum in a few years time. It might even hit him in the bum in a week’s time. We are definitely not an ordinary side. That’s what we are hoping to show in this Test series." However, India won the Test series comfortably with a 2-0 margin.