Selectors wanted to play Rohit instead of Virat at Perth in 2012: Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag, who is currently a part of the Hindi commentary team in the ongoing Test series against England, made a very interesting revelation about the Indian selection strategy during the time he was the vice captain of the side in 2012.

On Day 3 of Third Test at Mohali, during the Lunch Break segment, Virender Sehwag spoke about an interesting anecdote regarding Virat Kohli’s selection for the 3rd Test at Perth in 2012, during India’s tour of Australia.

He said that Kohli, who was then trying to earn hi own Test reputation, was initially overlooked by the selectors during the section discussion ahead of the famous Perth Test on 2012. Sehwag says that Rohit Sharma who was in the scheme of things and Kohli could only get into the playing XI after skipper MS Dhoni and vice-captain Sehwag insisted on doing so.

“Selectors wanted to play Rohit Sharma instead of Virat Kohli at Perth in 2012. I was vice-captain and MS Dhoni was leading the team, and we decided that we have to back Virat Kohli, and the rest is history,” Sehwag said while speaking behind the mic.

Virat Kohli repaid the faith shown in him and smashed 75 and 44 against Australia at Perth, followed by his maiden Test century at Adelaide. Kohli hasn’t stopped from thereon and is currently leading his team in the longest format with great success.

Much of his success has also because of his changed attitude and strict fitness regime. He has emerged to be one of the fittest athletes on the field. and has personally admitted that that it was after 2012 that he realised he needed to change his lifestyle.