'I had a sharp mind': Virender Sehwag reveals if he had any captaincy ambition during Dhoni's time

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has revealed that attaining the captaincy role was never a top priority during his cricketing career. While there was speculation about his interest in captaincy when Rahul Dravid stepped down from the position, Sehwag clarified that he was more inclined to contribute his ideas and insights to the team as a senior player, supporting captains like MS Dhoni, rather than actively pursuing leadership responsibilities.

3 things you need to know

• Virender Sehwag is the former vice-captain of the Indian cricket team
• He also served as the captain of IPL franchises Delhi and Punjab
• Sehwag retired from all forms of cricket in 2015

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Virender Sehwag on possibility of becoming India captain

Speaking with Sanjay Manjrekar on JioCinema, Virender Sehwag shared his perspective on the possibility of becoming an Indian captain, saying, "I never aspired to be a captain. Although I had a sharp cricketing mind and a desire to share my ideas with fellow players, my focus was on entertaining through my performance. Thanks to my stint as vice-captain under Greg Chappell, I lost form, and the captaincy was never my primary goal."

Virender Sehwag's career took a different turn after being dropped from the Indian team following two Tests against Australia during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in 2012/13. His place was taken by Shikhar Dhawan, and from then on, he was not recalled to the national side. MS Dhoni was the captain of the Indian cricket team in all formats at the time.

Reflecting on his omission, Sehwag acknowledged it was due to a dip in his performance but expressed his disappointment with the lack of communication from the selectors regarding their decision. He emphasized the importance of selecting the team based on individual performances, stating, "I had no inkling that I would be dropped after just two Tests against Australia in 2012/13. If I had known that the selectors were not considering me, I would have voluntarily announced my retirement at that time."

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Virender Sehwag's stellar Test numbers

Virender Sehwag's remarkable Test career featured 104 matches for India, amassing an impressive 8586 runs at an average of 49.34, with 23 centuries to his name. He also achieved the distinction of scoring two triple-centuries, one each against Pakistan and South Africa, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.