'Bangladesh are an ordinary side' - Sehwag (What a looser? He don't know how to bat against BD even) w/video

[tipu009]

"Bangladesh are an ordinary side. They can't beat India because they can't take 20 wickets." That was Virender Sehwag's pre-series shooter on Bangladesh on the eve of the first Test in Chittagong.

You can never accuse Sehwag of being boring. His press conferences are as interesting as his batting. He sauntered in to the press room today, remained typically blunt throughout, dealt in monosyllables and left people speechless. The Indian journalists weren't so shocked because it was almost the norm with him; a few Bangladeshi journalists looked stunned.

You could have said Sehwag was bordering on arrogance, you might have felt he was being dismissive, almost brutal especially in his assessment of Bangladesh' strengths and if you hadn't been in a Sehwag conference before, you certainly would have thought it was a slightly bizarre event. But it wasn't. It was in character. It was actually very funny but you could also see why some might take offense at his sense of humour.

Bangladesh's response later on, in the form of Jamie Siddons and Shakib Al Hasan, was equally interesting. They weren't present at Sehwag's conference, of course, and reacted to the perceptions of the media who had listened to Sehwag.

A journalist asked the obvious question - can Bangladesh surprise India? "No. They can't beat us in Test matches," Sehwag said. "They can surprise you in ODIs but not in Tests."

Why? "Because they can't take 20 Indian wickets. Even Sri Lanka found it difficult. Bangladesh can't. They are an ordinary side."

There was not even an attempt at civility. There were no standard responses like "they are an upcoming side", "you can't take anyone lightly", or "they have some talented players." Nothing. He just saw the ball and hit it.

It's not as if Sehwag was even trying to be provocative. There certainly was no condescension, nor was it an act of trying to win any psychological points. It's how he has usually been addressing press conferences for some time now. And it certainly wasn't directed, at least solely, against Bangladesh.

Sample this.

"Where is Dhoni?" "He is taking a break". "Is he fine?} (The questioner wanted to know why he didn't come for the press conference). "He is enjoying himself. He is relaxing in the dressing room."

"What's your thought on the pitch?" "I haven't seen it."

Cue an awkward silence. It was a permanent feature of the conference. At one point, early on during one such period, Sehwag leaned forward and said, "thank you." Some laughed, some remained silent, some looked on quizzically and slowly more questions started to trickle. However, the answers continued to be fired with an impassive face and almost all questions were longer than the reply.

Siddons' and Shakib's conference too was awkward but for different reasons. Shakib didn't want to say anything on Sehwag but he said he doesn't consider India to be a true No. 1 Test side. "They are ranked No.1 recently but I think South Africa and India are much better than them," Shakib said. "It's true that they are playing well but they still are human beings and they will make mistakes."

Cries of "shabash, shabash (excellent, excellent)," went up from the back of the press room. It was certainly an interesting conference. It was Siddons' turn next. "Your thoughts on what Sehwag said?"

"He should stay away from mikes," Siddons said. "Every team has good and bad phases. His comments might bite him on his bum in a few years time. It might even hit him in the bum in a week's time. We are definitely not an ordinary side. That's what we are hoping to show in this Test series. We could hopefully prove Sehwag wrong."

Not many are convinced that the quality of the cricket in the series will be of high standard, but as Wally Hammond once so famously said at the start of an Ashes contest, what "a fine bloody way to start a series".

Sriram Veera is a staff writer at Cricinfo

Feeds: Sriram Veera

[tipu009]

Virender Sehwag doesn't have an international century against Bangladesh. In two Tests against them, he has managed 23 runs, and even his ODI average against Bangladesh is lower than his overall average. Some correction of those stats might be in order.

[Ganesh]

Originally Posted by tipu009
Virender Sehwag doesn't have an international century against Bangladesh. In two Tests against them, he has managed 23 runs, and even his ODI average against Bangladesh is lower than his overall average. Some correction of those stats might be in order.

Sehwag may have been politically incorrect. Why should his record against Bangladesh be held against him given the rank Bangladesh has in Test cricket? He manages to torment many world class bowlers with huge scores that too at a high strike rate. Not many in the recent past has been able to get such big scores at will like he does. Gary Sobers averaged 26 against New Zealand. Does anyone hold it against him for sucking big time against them?

[Crickey]

lol we posted same time!

[tipu009]

Hi Crickey!!! i have posted 120 sec before.......... it's not same time!!

[Nafi]

Too bad Sehwag sucks, and even though he will get out for single figures, it doesnt make a difference, because our real worries, Gambhir, Tendulkar and Laxman will take the game seriously.

[Surfer]

Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

[tipu009]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

Well!! i will say. he don't have the right manner to talk at press conference.. Therefore, he need to learn how to talk as he learn how to bat

Friend Surfer , DO YOU THINK INDIA HAVE GOOD BOWLING LINEUP OUTSIDE INDIA TO WIN TEST IN REGULAR BASIS? I DON'T THINK SO. Indias bowling is very inconsistance as also mentioned by Ian chappel recently.

[Surfer]

Originally Posted by tipu009
Well!! i will say. he don't have the right manner to talk at press conference.. Therefore, he need to learn how to talk as he learn how to bat

Friend Surfer , DO YOU THINK INDIA HAVE GOOD BOWLING LINEUP OUTSIDE INDAI TO WIN T IN REGULAR BASIS? I DON'T THINK SO. Indias bowling is very inconsistance as also mentioned by Ian chappel recently.

Irrespective of Ian Chappell or anyone else's opinion, we have gone up the ladder to the top by consistently taking 20 wickets in matches in India as well as outside. We may not have great individual bowlers, but as a unit, our bowling line up has delivered what was needed. Added to that we have a very smart captain who knows how to use his limited resources.

[Ganesh]

Originally Posted by tipu009
Well!! i will say. he don't have the right manner to talk at press conference.. Therefore, he need to learn how to talk as he learn how to bat

Friend Surfer , DO YOU THINK INDIA HAVE GOOD BOWLING LINEUP OUTSIDE INDIA TO WIN TEST IN REGULAR BASIS? I DON'T THINK SO. Indias bowling is very inconsistance as also mentioned by Ian chappel recently.

India didn't go up the ladder just by winning in India. India did win couple of tests in Australia when they were #1 side in the last 10 years. No other side has done that. India has won test matches in England, SA, Pakistan, SL and WI as well in the last 4-5 years.

[Swedbangla]

Originally Posted by Ganesh
India didn't go up the ladder just by winning in India. India did win couple of tests in Australia when they were #1 side in the last 10 years. No other side has done that. India has won test matches in England, SA, Pakistan, SL and WI as well in the last 4-5 years.

What do you mean by "No other side has done that"? South Africa won the last test series aganist Australia in Australia. Aus lost a series at home after 15 years. That is the problem with indian cricket fans. they forget other teams' achievement. that is why they forgot so early the superb achievement of the SA team. India only won a test in 2004 and 2007, not the series. India is a good team but they were extremely lucky too. India never won a test match in Australia with Mcgrath, Warne in the side. in 2004 adelaide test both Mcgrath, Warne and Lee were injured and when Lee came back in the next test india lost. again in perth, 2007 mcgrath, warne all retired and india won. India won in NZ when Bond was out due to ICL debate. In 2007 Trentbridge test, Both Flintoff and Harmisson were absent for injury and India won. Sounds amazing!! it is like Bangladesh winning a test against india while sachin, sehwag or harbhajan not playing

[Ganesh]

Originally Posted by Swedbangla
What do you mean by "No other side has done that"? South Africa won the last test series aganist Australia in Australia. Aus lost a series at home after 15 years. That is the problem with indian cricket fans. they forget other teams' achievement. that is why they forgot so early the superb achievement of the SA team. India only won a test in 2004 and 2007, not the series. India is a good team but they were extremely lucky too. India never won a test match in Australia with Mcgrath, Warne in the side. in 2004 adelaide test both Mcgrath, Warne and Lee were injured and when Lee came back in the next test india lost. again in perth, 2007 mcgrath, warne all retired and india won. India won in NZ when Bond was out due to ICL debate. In 2007 Trentbridge test, Both Flintoff and Harmisson were absent for injury and India won. Sounds amazing!! it is like Bangladesh winning a test against india while sachin, sehwag or harbhajan not playing

Flintoff and Harmision? They both average 30+ as bowlers. You are talking as though waqar younis is missing in Pak side of 1990s. Even in Headingly test of 2002 when the wicket was assisting bowlers they looked terrible vs India. Bond anyway has been in and out of the side. India did win Perth test as well in 2007. That Mcgrath and warne retired is not india's problem. As such India has beaten Warne black and blue. Absence of Warne improves Aussie side vs India if anything. Lee's absense in Adeleide test was not felt. He was beaten black and blue in that series with figures like 1 for 200 and such.

[Morpheous]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

I agree he is right and probably India will go 2-0 win it...but to say something like that you are def lacking some class as an international cricketer specially when u r in a press ocnference

[Ganesh]

Originally Posted by Morpheous
I agree he is right and probably India will go 2-0 win it...but to say something like that you are def lacking some class as an international cricketer specially when u r in a press ocnference

This thing happens routinely in international cricket. Imran Khan said his side will win 6-0 in 1982 against India. They did win 3-0. Same with Clive Lloyd's WI after 1983 world cup loss. So many Pakistani players said 2003 world cup game against India is going to be a walk on the park. But Sachin made Pakistan walk back all the way from SA to home. These things are not good when you are on the receiving end. But, only way to deal with it is by performing. Good luck to BD on that front. Let's hope BD put up a good show.

[jisaan]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

to remind you and others like you.... this is a GENTLE MAN'S game. not all the etiquettes are taught at schools. you need presence of mind to know what is good and what is bad.

well... i withdraw my point if some1 is a proven INSANE!!!

[Neel Here]

Originally Posted by jisaan
to remind you and others like you.... this is a GENTLE MAN'S game. not all the etiquettes are taught at schools. you need presence of mind to know what is good and what is bad.

stopped being that long back, since the australians started to play and douglas jardine.

where have you been ?

p.s. gentleman meant landowner/nobleman/elite etc, not what it means literally.
just like we say bodolok in bengali, it doesn't mean great man, it means rich man.

[Wakidul]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

I must say i kind of agree with u, and in some respects i even disagree. The thing is we have not yet proven to be an ordinary team, thats our present objective. When Siddons after said, "perhaps in two years india may get a surprise" i think thats when he referred to us as being something above the ordinary.

All i can say though, is lets let our cricket do the talking and not our mouths. Inshallah

[Surfer]

Originally Posted by Wakidul
I must say i kind of agree with u, and in some respects i even disagree. The thing is we have not yet proven to be an ordinary team, thats our present objective. When Siddons after said, "perhaps in two years india may get a surprise" i think thats when he referred to us as being something above the ordinary.

All i can say though, is lets let our cricket do the talking and not our mouths. Inshallah

Precisely. That's a better thought than calling Indians fat.

[Maddog]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Precisely. That's a better thought than calling Indians fat.

But they are FAT! what wrong in calling spade a spade.. isn't that why you are praising sehwag... straight talk?

[Surfer]

Originally Posted by Maddog
But they are FAT! what wrong in calling spade a spade.. isn't that why you are praising sehwag... straight talk?

What Sehwag said was related to cricket and was a relevant question to a legitimate cricketing question. What you are saying has nothing to do with cricket. You are just being bitter because you can't find anything else to say. You are not only making yourself look bad, but you are also reaffirming what Sehwag said.

[akabir77]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

so he shouldn't be sent to talk. If you can't count you shouldn't be accounted. he is a looser.

[BASSMAN]

Originally Posted by Surfer
Well, if you sit back and think, he is not wrong. Bangladesh is still an ordinary side and your bowlers will find it very difficult to take 20 Indian wickets. Sehwag is known to speak him mind. Political correctness is not something he is known for.

I think you are quite right. Bangladesh still currently has an ordinary bowling line up and against the current Indian line up it will be tough for them. I think you are also spot on with Sehwag's comments, however Ricky Ponting does the same and he doesnt make to many friends when he plays with other teams.

But Sehwags comments has put in more spirit in for the Bangladeshi bowlers.

[Shade]

Originally Posted by arsenalsri
I think that is un called for. Sehwag is arrogant, so are you whats the difference?

Bangladesh cannot counter the remark by cricketing terms so personal insults are the order of the day.

[arsenalsri]

Originally Posted by Shade
Bangladesh cannot counter the remark by cricketing terms so personal insults are the order of the day.

Seriously??? I hope you don't represent the views of even a small percentage of people on this forum let alone Bangladesh. See Jamie Siddons' response. That is how you respond..not personal insults.

[BD-Shardul]

Originally Posted by Shade
Bangladesh cannot counter the remark by cricketing terms so personal insults are the order of the day.

Yet India is the only test playing elite nation to lose most against minnows (BD+Ken+Zim) in ODI.