India’s opening batsman has awful hair. But no one does cool better than him, says James Alter
Chris Gayle has his bling and flashy designer shades. Kevin Pietersen has his swagger and well-fitted designer tees to match a well-toned physique. Kumar Sangakkara has a strut to match Viv Richards’. Sehwag has an awful hair job, is desperately in need of a stylist and is possibly one of the most awkward cricketers doing the rounds of all those annoying World Cup-themed commercials. But man, does the guy does look cool when he’s focused on the game!
There are far fewer unflappable personalities in today’s game but nothing fazes Sehwag. In Test cricket, captains and bowlers have tried numerous ploys to frustrate him into getting out. A couple have succeeded but most have been exasperated.
In the opening match of the 2011 World Cup - something of a revenge match given what transpired at Port of Spain on March 17, 2007 – Sehwag thumped the hapless Bangladeshi bowlers and made such a strong statement of intent that opposition bowlers had better be wary: This man means business.
I’ve always been a big fan of Sehwag’s, but I was startled to read that he had only ever faced more than 100 deliveries during a one-day match when India were batting first. By the time Sehwag fell to a tired shot at the tail end of the innings, having lashed a personal best of 175 off 140 balls – which drew level with Kapil Dev’s epic score against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup – he had imprinted an impressive array of strokes on the memory of those watching. In fact, a dozen knowledgeable observers could have each picked a personal favourite and no two choices need have been the same. And not once did he break into a frown or allow himself a laugh. He’s too cool for that.
Capping off a wonderful first match against Bangladesh Sehwag’s honesty at the post-match presentation was as fierce as his century. When asked how pleased he was with India’s victory, a deadpan Sehwag replied: “Everyone did well, other than Sreesanth.” Indian cricket fans have grown accustomed to a diet of clichéd, politically-correct answers from players down the years, and to hear Sehwag speak his mind is refreshing.
Chris, KP, you guys can keep your Ed Hardy and Gucci, I’ll take Sehwag any day.
There are far fewer unflappable personalities in today’s game but nothing fazes Sehwag. In Test cricket, captains and bowlers have tried numerous ploys to frustrate him into getting out. A couple have succeeded but most have been exasperated.
I’ve always been a big fan of Sehwag’s, but I was startled to read that he had only ever faced more than 100 deliveries during a one-day match when India were batting first. By the time Sehwag fell to a tired shot at the tail end of the innings, having lashed a personal best of 175 off 140 balls – which drew level with Kapil Dev’s epic score against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup – he had imprinted an impressive array of strokes on the memory of those watching. In fact, a dozen knowledgeable observers could have each picked a personal favourite and no two choices need have been the same. And not once did he break into a frown or allow himself a laugh. He’s too cool for that.
Capping off a wonderful first match against Bangladesh Sehwag’s honesty at the post-match presentation was as fierce as his century. When asked how pleased he was with India’s victory, a deadpan Sehwag replied: “Everyone did well, other than Sreesanth.” Indian cricket fans have grown accustomed to a diet of clichéd, politically-correct answers from players down the years, and to hear Sehwag speak his mind is refreshing.
Chris, KP, you guys can keep your Ed Hardy and Gucci, I’ll take Sehwag any day.
