Did Virender Sehwag decline offer to play for Essex?

[saneindian]

It could have been Virender Sehwag and not Gautam Gambhir on plane to England to play for Essex in the English County. According to sources, Team India’s discarded opener Sehwag turned down the offer. It is, however, not clear when he received the county offer, but Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach, confirmed that “Sehwag was not available.” The right-hander’s decision is puzzling especially when there is no domestic cricket happening in India. “I’m not going to disclose the reason behind him refusing to play. We had to hire only one overseas player for the six matches,” he added Grayson. Both Gambhir and Sehwag were dropped from the national team owing to poor form for over a year. Sehwag last played a Test against Australia in February in Hyderabad. The Delhi dasher’s coach A. N. Sharma confirmed that Sehwag was not keen to play. “From what I gather, Sehwag was not keen on playing. If he chooses to play, any county would welcome him”. “As there is heavy rain in Delhi, the batsman has not been able to practice at the academy,” he added. The reason for Sehwag’s refusal, if at all he was offered to play, is a mystery considering the Ranji Trophy is still three months away and any quality cricket would have put him in contention for India’s tour to South Africa later in the year. So once, Sehwag declined the opportunity, Gambhir became the immediate choice. “We are delighted that Gautam Gambhir has agreed to join us for the remainder of the season, ” Derek Bowden, the Essex County Cricket Club chief executive said.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130818/sports-cricket/article/did-virender-sehwag-decline-offer-play-essex Sehwag did well in his last county stint with Leics in 2003. Surprising to see him refuse this offer. Or maybe he's totally out of shape and did not want to get exposed?

[Malcolm Merlyn]

He is finished.He is out of form and has no intention of getting it back.He is a lazy guy.

[Number]

Gambhir wanted to go so he left it for him. Good friend.

[rkt.india]

Sehwag did well in his last county stint with Leics in 2003. Surprising to see him refuse this offer. Or maybe he's totally out of shape and did not want to get exposed?

I dont see that hunger in him anymore or may be he thinks county cricket is not what is meant for him at this stage of his career. He may think if he plays for India great but if he does not then all good he has already had a long career.

[Deleted_User_1]

He is finished.He is out of form and has no intention of getting it back.He is a lazy guy.

+++++ Fatwag is done!

[adi B]

paucity of desi ghee wala parathas in england might be the the reason

[Crookbond]

I don't know why people are criticising Sehwag. This seems to be a purely money related decision. He probably has more important halwai orders over the festive season in Najafgarh. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vijay50]

Sehwag will be fit to play the next IPL.

[maniac]

He would rather maintain his legacy by having fans rooting for his comeback then getting exposed in English conditions and finishing his career once and for all. I would say it was a very smart desicion.

[namasteji1]

He wants to retire after he is not chosen for SA Series which he won't be anyways. Finally the casual attitude coming out in open.

[AbhishekS]

Sehwag will have a very good Ranji stint and IPL season, I'm sure about it. But as a Viruist, I'm disappointed that he opted out of County. Surely he would have some reasons and thinking. Taking his time, nothing wrong in it. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4

[Sandeep99]

Why Sehwag, why?:((

[velu]

Rejected the offer like a boss .. :icflove: Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

[vijay50]

I guess the reasons he could have turned down the county offer were because of his fitness issues and eye problems.

[SLICKR392]

I guess the reasons he could have turned down the county offer were because of his fitness issues and eye problems.

His eye is a major issue. Why doesn't he fix with a laser treatment? :dontknow:

[jf1gp_1]

there could be multiple reason for turning it down; maybe has an injury; maybe in middle of some training session and doesnt want to disrupt it for just 6 games OR who knows maybe 6 game deal doesnt come with a guarantee of being in playing XI. Sehwag is going to be counted amount one of the great Indian openers you dont reach that stature by being lazy, losing will or not getting eye treatment.

[vijay50]

Sehwag is going to be counted amount one of the great Indian openers you dont reach that stature by being lazy, losing will or not getting eye treatment.

Boss, all this all time great and other things are fine. But at present he need to fix the exact same things which you said to get back to team.

[Temujin Khaghan]

insulting rohit is ok... but insulting sehwag is on another level...

[rajmarie]

Sehwag is done for Indian cricket. Will not surprise me if he miss most of the domestic season also....only turning up for IPL

[gattaca]

Sehwag was the only one who created fear among Pakistani bowlers. Don't you remember the WC sf.Regarding topic all good things comes to an end. His eyesight might be a major contributor of his decline and his comments on dhoni as well. But he was a damn good player stop criticizing him.