Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricketer turned commentator, believes it is too early to compare the rising Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with legends like Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. Despite Jaiswal’s recent stellar performances, including a double century against England, Sehwag cautioned against drawing comparisons this soon.
Addressing the ongoing debate between national duty and franchise commitments, Sehwag stressed that representing the country should always take precedence over participating in any league. He highlighted the example of West Indies players choosing to leave the league temporarily to fulfill their international duties in Australia during the ILT20.
Sehwag expressed confidence that participating in leagues like IPL or ILT20 would not lead to burnout or fatigue ahead of the T20 World Cup. He sees these tournaments as instrumental in preparing teams for the global event, providing ample time for players to maintain form and fitness.
Responding to concerns about the proliferation of T20 and even T10 leagues compromising the quality of cricket, Sehwag disagreed. He emphasized that the growth of domestic leagues, inspired by the success of the Indian Premier League, contributes to nurturing cricketing talent globally. The involvement of national cricket boards adds consistency and ensures the leagues’ longevity and continued growth.
Sehwag also believes that international cricket and various sanctioned leagues can coexist, commending the ICC for allocating specific windows for various cricket leagues. He sees the current succession of tournaments, including the ILT20, PSL, and IPL, leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup, as an ideal pathway for players to prepare and compete at the highest level.
When asked about his views on England’s Bazball approach in Test cricket, Sehwag stated that Test cricket provides the platform for players to express themselves and has always been a format for showcasing individual skills.
Moreover, regarding speculation about joining politics ahead of general elections, Sehwag clarified that there are no such plans, emphasizing his current focus on commentary while sitting in Dubai.
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