Virender Sehwag has recalled the time Sachin Tendulkar urged him to stop attempting to hit sixes as he approached one milestone after another against Pakistan in the 2004 Multan Test.
Sehwag, one of India’s finest openers, built a towering reputation with aggressive strokeplay and six-hitting prowess, as well as a carefree attitude. Against Pakistan in the 2003/04 Multan Test, he became India’s first Test triple centurion; four years ago, he breached the 300-run mark once again, this time against South Africa in Chennai.
The first triple century set the tone for a glittering Test career that saw him achieve several landmarks over the next decade, but the success didn’t dim his quick-witted and happy-go-lucky nature.
In an interview on Breakfast with Champions, Sehwag recalled how his batting partner Sachin Tendulkar discouraged him from going the dangerous route and hitting sixes, for fear of losing his wicket in the process.
“When Sachin [Tendulkar] came out to bat, I was on 120 [122]. I stood in my crease and hit Saqlain Mushtaq for a six. Long-on was positioned, and he tried, but couldn’t take the catch. Sachin came up to me with his bat and said: ‘If you hit a six now, I’ll hit you really hard with a bat!'”
Sehwag seemed to have obliged, for there were no sixes thereafter, up until Sehwag stood five runs away from a historic triple century. That’s when the thought of another six came to his mind, and he went back to his senior once again.
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“When I reached 295, I said ‘If Saqlain comes on, I’m going to step out and hit him for a six first ball’. Sachin said: ‘Are you mad? You’ll be the first [India] player to 300’. I said ‘No one’s hit 295 also, I’ve become the first one already’.”
Five months earlier, Sehwag had famously fallen short of a double century when his attempt to reach the landmark with a six saw him hit a full toss straight to deep mid-wicket. Knowing Sehwag’s general disregard for numbers, Tendulkar let him do what he wanted to.
“He [Sachin] said: ‘Go ahead, you’re mad. Do what you want to do’.
“He went, Saqlain bowled, I hit him for a six. Sachin was happier than me. He was so happy, smiling that I said I’ll reach 300 with a six and I made it happen”.
Sehwag finished on 309 off 375, playing a big part in India’s historic innings win.
