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Rediff.com  » Sports » Sehwag honoured to lead India

Sehwag honoured to lead India

By Harish Kotian in Ahmedabad
December 22, 2005 13:13 IST
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Virender Sehwag, who led India to a crushing 259-run victory in the third Test against Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad, said the senior players in the side made his job easier.

"It's a great honour to lead the side. It was tough because I didn't play the match at Delhi. But I got good support from the senior players and I was very relaxed after the first day," Sehwag told reporters on Thursday, after captaining India for the first time in Tests.

On his personal form, which saw him score just 56 runs in the two Tests, at 18.66 with a highest of 36, he said he is getting the starts but, somehow, has not been able to carry on.

"I was in good nick, getting to the 20s or 30s, but not getting the big hundreds, which everybody expects from me," he said.

Sehwag also added that dashing left-hander Yuvraj Singh fully justified his inclusion in the team after scoring two smashing half-centuries in the series.

"He is talented, getting runs consistently, so there is no doubt that he deserves his place in the team," Sehwag said of his team mate.

Asked how Indian batsmen would fare on fast pitches in Pakistan that are reportedly being prepared for the India's tour next month, he replied: "If they prepare fast pitches, then their batsmen will also struggle, since they are technically not that good."

The right-hander said Sri Lanka missed the experience of Sanath Jayasuriya in the Test series.

"Jayasuriya has done well against India in both Tests and one-dayers, so, obviously, they have missed him, but good for us."

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Harish Kotian in Ahmedabad

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