Former India opener Virender Sehwag has expressed interest in taking up a coaching role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Sehwag has ruled out any ambitions of coaching the Indian men’s cricket team. After retiring from cricket in 2015, Sehwag served as a mentor for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) until 2018. Although this was his closest involvement in IPL coaching, he remains open to future opportunities with any of the 10 IPL franchises.
Sehwag’s interest in IPL coaching is driven by the manageable time commitment, as the tournament spans only two months. This schedule allows him to maintain a better work-life balance. In contrast, the demanding travel schedule of the Indian cricket team is a significant deterrent for Sehwag. He pointed out that previous head coaches, including Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, chose not to renew their contracts largely due to the extensive travel involved in the role. Sehwag believes that if he were to coach the national team, it would be challenging to meet the position’s demands, particularly with the constant travel required.
Virender Sehwag said in an interview, “Not with the Indian cricket team, but if the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I can surely have a look at it. If I become India head coach, then I’ll have to return to the same routine which I went through for 15 years. Playing for the Indian team requires you to stay on the road 8-9 months a year. My kids are 14 and 16, and they need me. Both play cricket for Delhi. One is an opening batter and the other an off-spinner. I need to help them with cricket and spend time. If I become the India head coach, staying away from them would be my biggest challenge. I will not be able to give time to my children. But yes, if there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up.”
IPL franchises, are you listening?
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