I’m not Viv Richards yet: Virender Sehwag

You are the first runner-up in DNA Sportsperson of the Year and effectively the Cricketer of the Year. Your comments…

It’s a proud thing for me. I’m very happy to know that people have voted for me. I take it as an honour. I’m sure it will give me a lot of motivation to do well for the country. I feel very happy and proud that the people and journalists have given me a great honour.

Recently you were named ‘Cricketer of the Decade’…
It’s too early to say that. I don’t think I deserve such an accolade at this stage in my career. I’m not the judge. If some people are saying that, it is their personal opinion. I respect their opinion. It’s truly a great honour to be called the Cricketer of the Decade. Personally, however, I think it is too early.

It is being said that you are the most dangerous and destructive batsman since Viv Richards...
Again, I have a long way to go before I can be talked about in the same breath as Sir Viv. I feel I’m too young still. Richards is a legend and it is unfair to compare me to him. But I must admit that it’s a great feeling. That is the way I play. That’s my style. But personally, I do not think I’m in Richards’ class.

Do you think 2009 was your best year?
Yes, I think so. I was very hurt after being dropped in 2007. Every time I go out to bat I remember of 2007. It gives me a motivation to do well. I keep thinking that if I don’t do well, the days of 2007 will be back again. So I keep telling myself that I need to score runs. Since then, 2008 and 2009 have been very good years for me. I hope to continue my form in 2010 as well.

Would you have liked to achieve anything more in 2009? Specifically, that triple century at Brabourne Stadium?
Not at all. I’m proud of my 293. I’m lucky to have gone that far. There are not many cricketers who have reached 293. No cricketer has three 290-plus scores. I’m the luckiest.

Was it your best innings ever?
I can say that. In fact, it was one of the three best innings  of my career.

How have you changed over the years, particularly since 2007?
My batting has not changed at all. In fact, my technique also remains the same. Maybe there is a change in my mindset and approach towards batting. If you have noticed, I’m a little bit more careful with the new ball. A little later I play my shots. This way I’m able to get big runs. This change of mindset has come about because of Mr Sunil Gavaskar and Mr Kris Srikkanth. They keep advising me how to go about it initially with the new ball. In Kanpur and in Mumbai their advice have actually helped me a lot.

Any targets for 2010?
Not really. I want to take it match by match. I want to continue playing for the next four-five years. I have to work on my fitness. I hope to keep scoring runs for another five years.

Where can India go from here?
We’re a very good side. We’re No.1 in Tests and No.2 in ODIs. We have the ability to be the No.1 in ODIs as well. But we have to work hard for that.

Did you enjoy captaincy?
I enjoyed captaincy but MSD is the captain. He is doing a good job. We’re lucky that we have got him as the captain and Gary Kirsten as coach. Kirsten’s role is very important in the Indian team.

People now expect double and triple centuries from you…
Yes, there are a lot of expectations from me. It could see it as some kind of pressure but I don’t take pressure on myself. My style of batting is to dominate the bowling and I can do that when there is no pressure. If I think about the expectations, I may not be able to score freely.

Finally, Delhi players have been doing very well although Delhi has become a controversial centre.
There are many talented players in Delhi. I’m not surprised at all because there is a lot of talent in the Delhi team. I’m proud to be a Delhiite and part of this Indian team.