‘I don’t think it’s a challenging role because there are other professionals involved too’ – Virender Sehwag on India head coach position

Virendra Sehwag. (Source – Twitter/X)

One former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, replaced the other, Rahul Dravid, as the former took over the role of head coach of the Indian team almost two months back. The World Cup-winning southpaw’s tenure has begun on a mixed note, with India facing mixed fortunes during their Sri Lanka tour. While the islanders were whitewashed by a dominant Indian T20I unit, the ODI series saw India get outperformed, as they succumbed to a 0-2 series defeat.

Former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, in a recent discussion, had his say on the head coach role. Sehwag was of the opinion that the responsibility was not as demanding as it may seem from the outside. He also provided a justifiable reason as to why the players would have a lot more burden on themselves as compared to Gambhir.

“I don’t think it’s a challenging role because there are other professionals involved too. The team recently won the T20 World Cup and the players know their roles. With Gambhir coming in, players will have clarity. That will be an added advantage. The challenges will be less for Gambhir and more for players, since now they would feel that after the T20 World Cup, they have to win the Champions Trophy, or the WTC final or the World Cup. But of course, Gambhir is around to help them all,” stated Sehwag in an interview with Amar Ujala.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir picks his all-time India ODI XI, picks Dhoni, Kohli, snubs Ganguly 

If there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up: Sehwag

The cricketer-turned-commentator further commented on why he would not accept a coaching role with the Indian team, as well as admitted that he would be more than open for a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Not with the Indian cricket team, but if the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I can surely have a look at it. If I become India head coach, then I’ll have to return to the same routine which I went through for 15 years. Playing for the Indian team requires you to stay on the road 8-9 months a year. If I become the India head coach, staying away from my kids would be my biggest challenge. I will not be able to give time to my children. But yes, if there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up,” concluded Sehwag.

Also Read – Gambhir doesn’t expect players to do something he won’t do: Jonty Rhodes

Sehwag was the mentor for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) from 2016 to 2018 after representing the franchise in 2014 and 2015. Incidentally, in the 153 innings Sehwag and Gambhir batted together while representing India across all formats, they put on a total of 7,199 runs.