Indian selectors lash out at Virender Sehwag over farewell Test comments

Virender Sehwag recently announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket

The Indian national selectors have retorted to Virender Sehwag’s comments on a television show that he would have liked a farewell Test match. The selectors have countered saying that it is impossible to let a player know that he will not be picked again.

"We are surprised to read about what Sehwag said (in the TV programme). By saying that he would have requested for a farewell Test had we told him that we won't pick him, means he admitted being at the end of his road. Selectors have no right to tell any player that he won't be picked again. Anyone can make a comeback through big scores and we are always aware of that," said a selector on condition of anonymity to Mid-Day.

"Why only one Test? He would have got many more had he scored runs. Things don't work like this in cricket. It is disappointing to hear such things from Viru, a good player and bloke too," said the selector, not trying to hide his disappointment at the blatant criticism directed at the panel.

Previously, the Nawab of Najafgarh had said he would have preferred to retire while still playing and liked to play a farewell match in Delhi.

“Had the selectors told me they were going to drop me, I could have requested them to allow me to play my last Test in Delhi (vs Australia in 2013) and then announce my retirement, but they did not give me that opportunity. A sort of sadness shall always remain in my mind that I was not allowed to retire while playing, but anyway, it's all a part of life for a sportsman," Sehwag was quoted as saying.

"Should not a player who has played 12 to 13 years for his country, deserves a farewell match," asked the former opener on television. Sandeep Patil led selection committee did not consider the aggressive batsman after he was out - caught behind off Australia's Peter Siddle for 6 in the Hyderabad Test of 2013. The next Test was played in Mohali while the fourth and final was at New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla, Sehwag's home ground where he wanted to bid international cricket goodbye. His non-selection prevented that.

Meanwhile, Sehwag joins the small list of star players to miss out when it came to the 'ideal' final Test.

Mohammed Azharuddin was not picked again (for his alleged involvement in match-fixing) after his 99th Test - versus South Africa at Bangalore where he scored a ton. Australia's wicketkeeping great Ian Healy was reportedly denied a farewell Test at his home ground in Brisbane (versus Pakistan in 1999) by chief selector Trevor Hohns.

A felicitation programme has been planned for Sehwag at the Feroz Shah Kotla, at the end of the Test series against the Proteas.