Viru thanks Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble at BCCI felicitation

Retiring legend Virender Sehwag on Thursday thanked his former India captains Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble along with Sachin Tendulkar for their guidance during his illustrious international career.

The BCCI on Thursday formally felicitated Sehwag before the start of the fourth Test match against South Africa with secretary Anurag Thakur presenting him with a glittering trophy for his achievements.

Sehwag was accompanied by his mother Krishna Sehwag, wife Aarti and two sons Aryavir and Vedant during the short ceremony.

In his brief farewell speech, Sehwag thanked everyone from BCCI to DDCA to his first coach AN Sharma and Satish Sharma, who first picked him for Delhi U-19s.

“I want to thank my father for allowing me to play the game of cricket and give me freedom to do whatever I wanted to. All my coaches, especially A.N. Sharma for making me the cricketer I am,” the 37 year old said.

He also had words of gratitude for his close friends, including Delhi U-19 coach Raju Sharma.

When it came to the captains, Sehwag said: “I want to thank my first captain Ajay Jadeja and other captains Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble. I want to thank Sachin Tendulkar.”

There was no mention of Dhoni, though, under whom he played for the national team for almost six years.

Sehwag also mentioned about the contribution of the physios and trainers during his 14-year long career.

In the end, he thanked the fans for “making him Sehwag”.

“I would like to thank all my fans for standing by me in my good and bad times,” he said.

While DDCA is yet to name a stand or gallery, the BCCI has temporarily named the far-end stand at the Ambedkar Stadium end as “Viru 319” after the batsman’s highest Test score.