SACHIN and SEHWAG: The TRUE FRIENDS

Sachin and Sehwag, whenever we heard the two names, we felt proud and relieved. Because we knew that the team had nothing to worry about when the two master legends were on the crease. Even today, we feel happy whenever we hear the names of the two masters. The two are not just cricket partners or team-mates, they are true friends. Virender Sehwag has watched Sachin play cricket on TV when he was young. He used to copy Sachin and tried to copy him even after his international debut. Sachin is Viru's idol, in fact he is all of us' idol. But it is not only that

More than being friends, they respect each other!

only Viru admires Sachin. Sachin is also an admirer of Viru. Read this:
On the occasion of Sehwag’s 100th Test, Tendulkar said
“I remember the first time I batted with him against South Africa at Bloemfontein. As soon as he walked to the wicket I asked him how he was feeling and he said ‘a little nervous’. I told him it was quite normal and happened to me too. I told him to relax and after sometime he would enjoy the moment. Then, once he got going I began to enjoy his batting. What I have really liked about his batting is his approach to the game and his bat swing.”

• This shows the respect and friendship between the two. 

 The two of them together have played many good innings. Their partnerships have often helped India win matches. Here is a collection of some of the best partnerships between Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag:

Test Partnerships

Sehwag raises his bat after reaching his 300. (Behind) Sachin applauds.

• 220-Run Partnership vs South Africa, 3 November 2001: It was the first test of the Two-match Test Series. This was also the debut game for Virender Sehwag. India were batting first. The first wicket fell on just 7. Rahul Dravid was the batsman to be dismissed by Pollock. India kept losing the wickets and soon, they were in a position of 68/4. After that, Sachin and Sehwag played carefully and calmly. India were 288/4 when Sachin got out after making a brilliant 155. After sometime, Sehwag also got out scoring a fighting 105. His name also came in the list of cricketers to make a century on test debut. However, India lost the match, but the thing that all enjoyed and still remember was the 220 run partnership between Sachin and Sehwag.
• 336 Run Partnership vs Pakistan, 28 March 2004: This match is a memorable one. In this match, Virender Sehwag became the first ever Indian cricketer to score a triple century in test cricket. India were batting first. Sehwag was playing good from the beginning of the innings, He had a 160 run stand with Akash Chopra. Sachin joined Sehwag when the score was 173/2. Both played well throughout the innings. Sehwag ended up scoring a memorable triple century. He got out on 309. Sachin remained not out in the innings on 194. There is an incident related to this match. When Sehwag was on 295, Sachin told him not to do something which may cause him lose his wicket. But, Sehwag was very firm in his decision that he is going to hit a six. Sachin said, "You'll not hit a six or I'll hit you on your bum." But Viru didn't listen to Sachin and smashed the ball for a six becoming the first Indian to score a 300 in Test cricket.
  

  

  Sachin and Sehwag running between the wickets.

  
  

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL

• 182 Run Partnership vs New Zealand, 15 November 2003: It was a match of the tri series poayed between Australia, India and New Zealand. India were batting first. Sachin and Sehwag were opening the innings. Both played brilliantly well. Sachin scored 102 off just 90 balls whereas the man of the match Sehwag scored 130. India posted a mammoth total of 353 and won it easily by 145 runs.

  

  Sachin and Sehwag during their 182 run Partnership

  They have played many more wonderful innings together and have made us proud many a times. But the reason behind these amazing partnerships is the true friendship, respect and belief in each other.

Written by

~Saanidhya

@imSaanidhya