Calcutta: Mohammed Azharuddin’s 62-ball hundred against New Zealand in Vadodara’s Moti Bagh Stadium (December 1988) wasn’t only an India, but a world record, till Sanath Jayasuriya smashed it in April 1996.
The former captain’s India-specific record, though, lasted till as recently as Wednesday — when Virender ‘Blaster’ Sehwag lashed a 60-ball hundred in Hamilton.
While Azhar had finished on an unbeaten 108 (65 balls), vice-captain Sehwag remained not out on 125 (74 balls) at the Seddon Park.
Azhar, who has just taken guard in politics, spoke to The Telegraph on Thursday morning. He praised Sehwag and Team India.
The following are excerpts
Q When did you get to know that Sehwag had broken your record?
A I was in Jaipur for a meeting... That’s where somebody mentioned it... Later, when I had the time, I watched the highlights of the India innings.
Disappointed that your record has gone...
As they say, records are meant to be broken... I’m happy that somebody as outstanding as Sehwag is the new record-holder... There’s no regret.
Are you surprised that your record survived for over 20 years?
Indeed, yes... I say that because the game has changed… You have the power-plays and so on... Also, bowling standards, across the world, have fallen. There are more opportunities too, to have a go at any record.
What are your memories of your own record?
I don’t think anybody mentioned the world record bit at the ground… From what I remember, we’d all been delighted that we could chase 279 (India, under Dilip Vengsarkar, finished on 282 for eight)... Back then, chasing that many was considered a big achievement, somewhat like chasing 350-360 in the present times.
So, when did you get to know that you’d created history?
When we returned to the hotel... Teammate Rashid Patel gave me the news, ‘Azharbhai, aap ne to world record kar diya’... I recall having had a big partnership with Ajay Sharma, who scored 50.
Your record was also against New Zealand...
(Laughs) Just a coincidence, you can’t explain such happenings.
What’s your take on Sehwag?
As I’ve said, he’s outstanding... He’s very positive and doesn’t care about anything, neither the bowling nor the conditions... He should be allowed to play the way he does... He’s had his share of slumps, but has emerged as a pillar of strength for the team.
Sehwag’s USP would be...
His attitude, he brings a lot of positivity to the team.
Actually, Sehwag’s ODI debut (against Pakistan in Mohali, March 1999) was in the period when you were the regular India captain. What did you make of him then?
I didn’t play in his debut match... Obviously, he was talented... I’m happy that, like me, he scored a hundred on his Test debut (Bloemfontein, November 2001)... It’s remarkable that somebody who started as a middle-order batsman is making such an impact as an opener... Provided Sehwag stays fit, he could play for another six-seven years and script the future he wants.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment