Sehwag - 'It was very hot and humid in the morning'
Virender Sehwag's rollicking 108 provided the impetus for a healthy Indian total, while Sourav Ganguly had another match to forget with the bat
Cricinfo staff
02-Apr-2005
Virender Sehwag's rollicking 108 provided the impetus for a healthy Indian total, while Sourav Ganguly had another match to forget with the bat. Sehwag was weary but satisfied at the end of a sweltering day, but for Ganguly the pleasure of a resounding win must have been tinged with regret at another run-scoring opportunity squandered. Both men addressed the media, offering their thoughts on India's strategy, the extreme weather conditions and the defining moments of a match that turned out to be a one-sided affair.
 |
|
Sehwag
On his innings
It was difficult, because it was very hot and humid in the morning. I just wanted to bat until the 40th over so that we could get a decent total on the board. We were very tired by the 30th over, but determined not to throw our wickets away. The plan was to get to the 35th over and then play some shots.
On how he rated his innings
When you make runs in such tough conditions, it makes you very happy. It gives you a different kind of confidence.
On whether he was in the form of his life
Of course. I've got over 600 runs in just the last three Tests and this ODI.
Ganguly
On another bad day for him, and a good one for the team
This Indian team has had many good days over the past three or four years. It's not like it's the first.
On the turning point
I think it was Inzamam's wicket. We knew we'd win from there.
On his form
Something's letting me down. But I'll go out and be positive. I need to play to get back in touch. Sitting at home or taking a break won't help.
On whether the morale had been affected by the Bangalore defeat
We didn't lose the series, we drew it. We'd dominated the previous game in Kolkata, and also in Mohali. Leaving Australia aside, I don't think any team can say that they win every match. Our morale was not low, and I think we proved today how confident we were.
On whether he would contemplate going back to open the innings
I don't think batting at number three is very different from opening. We've got a guy performing at the top and there's no question of changing things right now.
On playing three seamers as opposed to an extra spinner
It was the seamers that did the damage early on. And we knew that apart from Harbhajan, we had Sachin, Sehwag and Yuvraj who could bowl spin.
On whether he was surprised by Tendulkar's spell
He has always been a wicket-taking bowler, and he's taken five wickets once before here in Kochi.
On whether he was disappointed by only 41 coming from the final nine overs
They bowled very well. And when you have two set batsmen getting out, it can be difficult, especially in this heat. We knew a total like 282 would be defendable because it's not easy to chase in these conditions.