NEW DELHI, March 19 (TNN): Virender Sehwag has been away from international cricket for more than a year now and it's easy to forget that for over the last decade or so, he was the most feared opening batsmen in world cricket. Now 35, Sehwag doesn't have age on his side. His slowing reflexes and fading eyesight too have caused him problems. The pile of scores has run dry even in the domestic arena.
Can Sehwag make yet another comeback into the national side, or is one of the most explosive openers of the modern era considering retirement? "Quitting the game is farthest from my mind at the moment. I still believe that I have 2-3 years to give to Indian cricket," Sehwag, who is preparing to take fresh guard with Kings XI Punjab, told TOI on Tuesday.
"I think there is hope for everyone and everybody deserves a second opportunity. I have been really working hard on my fitness in the gym and trying to hone some of my batting skills to prepare for IPL. The focus has been to watch the ball right from the bowler's hand. I have been struggling to pick the ball up early enough and I'm trying to improve that," Sehwag said.
The veteran of 104 Tests struggled all season with the Delhi Ranji team. Sehwag played in seven games for Delhi and only managed 234 runs at an average of less than 20, with just one half-century. Delhi Daredevils lost faith in Sehwag and when their former skipper went up for auction for the first time, Kings XI showed faith in Sehwag's ability and picked him for Rs 3.2 crore.
"I have no ill-feelings towards the Daredevils management. It was a completely professional decision and I was lucky enough to be picked by Kings XI. The Punjab team looks good this season and I am looking forward to meeting up with the new team and management," he said.
Asked how different it will be to turn out in Kings XI colours at his home — Ferozeshah Kotla — he said, "I have been an India player for many years. I have played all over the country including Kotla and Mohali. I have fan following all over the country and they will cheer for me no matter which team I am representing." Kings XI have plenty of quality players in their lineup including skipper George Bailey, David Miller, Mitchell Johnson and Glenn Maxwell.
