— Photo: V. Ganesan

TRAILBLAZER: Virender Sehwag's adventurous approach in Tests, however, hasn't succeeded as much in ODIs of late.

Virender Sehwag is an infuriating cricketer. On song he is a destroyer of bowling to put beside the best the game has known. Not even batsmen as formidable as Viv Richards or Charlie Macartney could have surpassed the performances the Delhiite has produced in Melbourne, Johannesburg and elsewhere. Here was an unsung and apparently scatterbrained batsmen rising to the occasion with unforgettable displays. Here was an opener from a country where they are in short supply demolishing the game's most hostile fast bowlers. Here was a batsman blessed with eye, courage, temperament and technique.

At once he was debonair, stylish. swashbuckling and instinctive. A bemused Geoff Boycott once asked him why he had tried to reach his 300 with a sixer. Sehwag replied that he did not think about such things, adding that he "just bats." No chance of him suffering from paralysis by analysis. He risks it all on the roll of a dice. But he has scored lots of runs.

Astonishing freedom

At his best Sehwag plays with astonishing freedom. A little of the schoolboy remains within, refusing to answer the call of the tax man and the compiler of averages and the other charmless contributors whose deeds deaden the soul. In short he bats as the common man yearns to bat, not quite in the classical style but in the rough and ready format favoured in back streets where urgent, querulous matches are played till twilight fails. Everyone knows that Sachin was sent by the sporting gods. Sehwag belongs to the people.

Unfortunately there is a downside to Sehwag's carefree approach. A fine line exists between daredevilry and recklessness, between boldness and self-indulgence. Not until the runs dry up or seniority arrives are the faults realised. And then the swashbuckler may find himself in the spotlight, expected to provide leadership and to set an example. Often it is easier for the cautious batsmen whose game has been gradually refined by a rigorous mind.

More expected

In recent times more has been expected from Sehwag than he has been prepared to deliver. Inevitably frustration has set in. Suddenly his insouciance is not seen in so favourable a light. Suddenly the reluctance to train evident in portliness amidships is not an amusement but an embarrassment likely to cost his team crucial runs in tight matches. Suddenly his wretchedness on tour is not the tolerable reaction of a new father but the self-indulgence of a cosseted player. Before long patience will run out. Senior players are not given as much leeway.

Now Sehwag stands at a crossroads. He must choose his direction. Most particularly he must demand more from himself. Otherwise his laziness will be his downfall. Although he remains a strong Test cricketer with an impressive record, he has been struggling in the short version of the game. Batting might be a problem. As Michael Slater could confirm, naturally adventurous openers don't necessarily succeed in 50-over cricket where their essential orthodoxy often brings them down. But Sehwag can bowl handily and only needs to sharpen his fielding to retain his place.

However, his fielding will not improve until he realises the need, accepts his responsibilities as a senior player, and embraces both his ability and his calling, warts and all. He must lose weight and set an example on and off the field. It is not so long ago that his name was mentioned as a contender for the captaincy. The time has come for Sehwag to reject his inner Falstaff and to search for a second, superior self.

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