Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag was known for changing the approach of the opening batters in Tests with his brutal hitting. It made Sehwag a popular name and one of the most feared batters during his playing days. He was the first Indian batter to surpass the 300-run mark in Tests and came within seven runs of becoming the first batter to score three triple tons. In 2017, he was approached to apply for the India coach’s role as Anil Kumble’s successor.

Sehwag said that then-Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, and BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary had approached him. The 2007 World T20 winner and member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team added that he was told that since things were not working out between Kohli and then coach Anil Kumble, he was being asked to make an application for the top post.

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During a recent chat with News18, Virender Sehwag recalled, “I wouldn’t have applied if Virat Kohli and then BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary hadn’t approached me. We had a meeting, and he (Choudhary) told me that things weren’t working out between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble we want you to take the coaching position.”

He further added, “He told that me that Kumble’s contract will expire after the Champions Trophy in 2017 and then you can travel to West Indies with the team.”

He added that he didn’t get the choice to select his own support staff and hence did not take the job.

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Explaining the same, Virender Sehwag said, “I didn’t say yes or no, but I said if I travel to West Indies, I would want my coaching staff, the assistant coach, bowling coach, batting coach and the fielding coach. I want my own choice for the support staff and I didn’t get that choice so I didn’t travel to West Indies.”