Sehwag can still regain his spot Indian side: Sanjay Bangar

This will be Sehwag’s second season with the Mohali-based franchise

Off late, Sanjay Bangar, the assistant bowling coach of Team India had drawn a lot of lime light owing to a very impressive comeback of the Indian bowlers in the World Cup. Although Team India lost in the semis against Australia but the efforts of Bangar were applauded by the media. He also happens to be the coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kings XI Punjab. Bangar is seemingly very confident that former India opener Virender Sehwag can regain his place in the Indian side. Bangar, who has already performed a very successful role of a key member of the Indian team's support staff, thinks that Sehwag is capable of making a national comeback despite his age factor – being a 36 year old.

Bangar has given his assessment of Sehwag, after he observed him at the Kings XI Punjab's training camp in Pune ahead of the IPL opener against Rajasthan Royals on April 10. Insisting on the chances of Sehwag making a comeback, when asked about such possibilities Bangar said, "Yes most definitely, he can,"

It is worthwhile to mention that Sehwag, a dashing opener, last played for India in March 2013.

Bangar further justified his stand and said, "He is very motivated. He is working a lot on his fitness. He had a decent first class season, too. We were practising match situations yesterday and he was outstanding in that. As it is we all know, the kind of cricket he can play".

Sehwag will most likely open alongside new recruit Murali Vijay though the team also has a back-up in Manan Vohra. Bangar, who has earned very high repute recently through his India stint, said everyone in the team including Sehwag will have to play well to figure in the eleven. He said, "Whether it is Vijay or Viru, there is competition for every slot in our team. Whoever is hitting the ball well under pressure situations, is in peak form and fitness, will get a go.”

Sehwag has shown good form from the two recent T20 games he played for Delhi, scoring 85 and 39 against J&K and Punjab respectively. Kings XI was the most dominating team in the league stage of IPL 2014 but failed to keep up the form in the all important final.

With just three new players added, Bangar is pretty sure of an impressive stint, especially from the youngsters. He said, "The good thing is all of our boys have been involved with playing the game at some level. Lots of them have done well in the domestic season, so it augurs well for the team. The Indian fast bowlers look in fine touch especially the likes of Shardul Thakur, Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Rishi Dhawan".

Meanwhile, even if the observations of Banger prove true, this will perhaps be a last chance for Sehwag.