Virender Sehwag finds himself missing from India’s 500th test celebrations

Published - 22 Sept 2016, 21:25 IST | Updated - 22 Sept 2016, 21:25 IST

2 Min Read

Where is Virender Sehwag? Few cricket fans wondered when the former skippers were being felicitated by the BCCI prior to the start of the 1st test between India and New Zealand.

It was a historic moment for Indian cricket today as India entered its 500th Test when Virat Kohli walked out for the toss with Kane Williamson at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur.

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) made all the arrangements to make the event special. They invited all the former skippers for the match to felicitate them on the special occasion.

There many revered name present today. BCCI president Anurag Thakur, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Cricket association president Rajiv Shukla were present at the podium to felicitate all the players.

Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Krishnamachari Srikanth, Sourav Ganguly along with India’s first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev and India’s most successful test skipper ever, MS Dhoni all were at the event. Everyone looked delighted and had a wonderful time. All were presented with a shawl and memento as a token of respect for their services to India Cricket.

However, there was one key man missing from the event – Virender Sehwag. It was obvious for the fans to expect him but unexpectedly, the man who skippered India in 4 Tests, was absent.

Sehwag, since retirement, remains in touch with his fans via social media. He has been quite active on social media with his funny one-liners and birthday wishes. He also appeared on Twitter today and expressed his excitement ahead of the game.

Wow #500thTest
Must score 500+runs and win this to make this a memorable one.
India India – the favourite team of most people on the planet
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 22, 2016

However, fans were wondering why was the dashing opener unavailable at the ground? Turns out he was absent because of his cricketing commitment. Yes, you read it right, Sehwag was in England today participating in the ‘The Yorkshire Tea20 Charity Challenge’ game between Surrey All Stars and Cricket United XI.

The match was being staged for a good cause. The revenue generated from the game would go for funds for three charities — Lord’s Taverners, Chance to Shine and PCA Benevolent Fund.

Sehwag played for the Cricket United team led by West Indian Darren Sammy. The other Indians who played in the team were Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan. Harbhajan Singh also participated in the match but played for the opposite Surrey All Stars led by Adam Hollioake.