Virender Sehwag quits Delhi, will play for Haryana in domestic cricket
INDIA BATSMAN Virender Sehwag has quit his current team, Delhi, to play for Haryana in the upcoming domestic season. The batsman confirmed the news to ESPNcricinfo via a text message that said he had acquired a no-objection certificate from the DDCA.
"He has applied for an NOC. Considering he is a very senior player and has got a better offer for personal reasons, we will respect his desire to move on," DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan told ESPNcricinfo. "We seriously admire his achievements and appreciated his contribution to Delhi and Indian cricket."
Sehwag’s move is hardly surprising. In 2009, the former Indian opener had hinted at his departure from the Delhi team, owing to several reasons. However, the inside scoop is that the move has more to do with accommodating youngster Milind Kumar as a regular in Delhi’s Ranji team. Sehwag managed to score 568 runs at a 50-plus average in Delhi's disappointing Ranji campaign last year.
"I am really looking forward to playing for Haryana this domestic season. It is an exciting setup with a lot of youngsters in the side," the 36-year-old said.
One man’s loss is another’s gain. Haryana will be happy to have Sehwag in a side that is marred with inconsistent batting. His experience and fearless approach at the top could very well make a difference to their batting line-up.
HCA President Anirudh Chaudhry said, "We are honoured that Viru has decided to represent our state association in domestic cricket. His contribution both on the field and in the dressing room has been superb. We are delighted and looking forward to a successful season ahead."
"To have someone like Mr. Virender Sehwag will add a lot of experience to our young side. This is a team that is keen to perform and make a statement in the domestic season and Viru is just the right man to guide them. The team is bound to benefit from Viru's leadership, experience and batting abilities. We look forward to having him in our side and start training with the team soon."
Anirudh also took to Twitter to confirm the move.
Happy to announce that @virendersehwag will represent @haryanacricket in the coming @BCCI domestic cricket season. pic.twitter.com/pwX8jChxj2
— Anirudh Chaudhry (@AnirudhChaudhry) August 22, 2015
