Virender Sehwag opens up on what separated him from becoming India’s head coach in 2017!

If you manage to become a good professional cricketer then are many options for you to stay connected with the sport even after retirement. Apart from being journalists and analysts, one can always go for professional coaching. We have seen many legendary cricketers become national team coaches and while some enjoy massive success, some go under the radar.

One of the possible names to become India’s head coach was Virender Sehwag in 2017. The Najafgarh born Batter who used to rattle bowlers during his playing days was the front runner to replace Anil Kumble (then head coach) after the conclusion the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 at England.

There was a wave of rumor that the head Coach & Captain pairing of Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli was not gelling well and it required a change for the sake of the team. Before Ravi Shashtri took over as head coach, Viru was offered the vacant position.

In a recent interview he admitted that he was all set to take over after Champions trophy and prepare for the tour to West Indies right after the event. As India failed to win the tournament for the 2nd time in a row, Sehwag also for some reason missed out.

In his own words, the 44-year-old said that then BCCI Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary had arranged a meeting with Captain Virat Kohli to discuss about the managerial post.

“I wouldn’t have applied if Virat Kohli and then BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary hadn’t approached me. We had a meeting, and he (Choudhary) told me that things weren’t working out between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble we want you to take the coaching position. He told that me that Kumble’s contract will expire after the Champions Trophy in 2017 and then you can travel to West Indies with the team.”

On why did Sehwag turned down the offer at the last moment was that BCCI did not allow him to bring in his own team i.e – batting coach, bowling coach among others.

“I didn’t say yes or no, but I said if I travel to West Indies, I would want my coaching staff, the assistant coach, bowling coach, batting coach and the fielding coach. I want my own choice for the support staff and I didn’t get that choice so I didn’t travel to West Indies.”