It's true, I didn't have to face the same inconvenience as others: Virender Sehwag

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag found himself in a sticky situation after his tweet supporting the demonetization move by the PM Narendra Modi was not well received. The demonetization forced people to stand in long queues as the old Rs. 500 and Rs. 100 currencies were withdrawn as legal tenders from November 8 midnight onwards.

Celebrities and cricketers were asked for their opinion regarding the move and everyone’s stance was divided on the matter. While a many criticised the declaration, a few like Sehwag and Virat Kohli backed the government. However, Sehwag said while the move could cause some, inconvenience, for now, demonetization would actually help in the longer run.

“It was a good move and I felt while all of us can face inconvenience for a while, it’s good for the longer run,” Sehwag told India Today in an exclusive interview.

Sehwag, who these days is very active on Twitter, came at the receiving end of trolls after he compared the long wait at ATMs to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad’s sacrifice. Hanamanthappa was buried under 35 feet of snow and was found alive before eventually losing his life in hospital later due to continued multi-organ dysfunction.

Following his tweet, Sehwag was trolled and many asked him if he had to stand in queues, waiting for cash. In the interview, Sehwag clarified his stance and the tweet.

“I speak from my heart and I write from my heart. It’s true that I don’t have to face the same inconvenience as others.

“I don’t have to stand in the same queues because I don’t  carry a lot of cash. I use my card and I always have family or friends around me.”

Sehwag was frank and honest in admitting that he himself may not go through the ordeal of standing in queues but if soldiers could sacrifice so much, others can too.