Would have become a farmer if not for cricket - Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag

Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, who has over 17,000 international runs in his career so far, has said that had he not developed interest in the game, he would have become a farmer, following the footsteps of his father.

When asked what would he have become if not for cricket, he said: “Farmer. My father was a farmer and we have had some farming land in Haryana. May be, I would have followed his footsteps and become a farmer."

Champions League T20

On his preparations for the Champions League T20, where he will represent Kings XI Punjab, the 35-year-old, speaking during the official proclamation of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) half-marathon honoring their 75th jubilee, said: "I hope to do well (in the Champions League). I have started practising at my own academy (in Jhajjhar, Haryana). I am regularly having nets and doing my training there. I will be training there till September 10 after which I will be joining the squad (Kings XI Punjab) for the tournament."

Kings XI, led by Australian captain George Bailey, were a revelation in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ended as the runners-up, losing the finals to Kolkata Knight Riders.

Had he run a marathon ever?

On if he had participated in a long-distance race ever, he quipped: “We don't need to run 5-6 kms even in a Test match. So till date, I have not run 21 kms at a stretch. But may be I will do that after retirement."

He added: "The officers and jawans of CRPF have sacrificed a lot for the nation. It's an honour to be associated with this event. If I am there in Delhi on October 12 (Race-Day), I will be glad to come here and cheer the participants."