Former Indian cricketing maestro Virender Sehwag recently revealed how he played a pivotal role in shaping the Test career of Australian opener David Warner. Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style and a successful stint as an opener in Test cricket, shared insights into his conversation with Warner during their time together at Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2009.
“At Delhi Daredevils, I saw in David Warner what others might not have seen back then,” Sehwag recalled. “I could see he had all the talent and the control you need in a Test batter.”
Sehwag didn’t hesitate to share his vision with Warner. “I told him, ‘You will enjoy it. It’s made for you. In Test cricket, you have a power play throughout the day. In T20 cricket, the powerplay only lasts for 20 overs.'”
Warner eventually heeded Sehwag’s advice, making his Test debut in 2011. “I shared this view with him, and he started laughing,” Sehwag remembered. “He said, ‘I am so far away from Test cricket, and in Australia, it’s so difficult to break into the Test team to start with.'”
Sehwag expressed his satisfaction at Warner’s achievements. “Later, he went on to play Tests for Australia and messaged me saying he was so happy that I’d said that to him.”
Reflecting on Warner’s decision to retire from Test cricket, Sehwag expressed his belief that Warner still had much to offer in the format. “I personally don’t think he should retire from Tests based on the way he’s batting,” Sehwag said.
As Warner prepares to bid adieu to Test cricket, he leaves behind a legacy reminiscent of Sehwag’s impactful career. “When David Warner came to play for Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2009, he’d just made his T20I and ODI debuts,” Sehwag recalled. “But the way he used to bat and hit the ball, I could see he had all the talent and the control you need in a Test batter.”
Sehwag’s foresight and Warner’s adaptability have come full circle, with the latter set to retire as one of the most successful Test openers. Their journey, from a chance conversation in the IPL to shaping the future of Test cricket, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.
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