Virender Sehwag shockingly says NO to India coaching job, but eyes IPL stint

Former India National Cricket Team batsman Virender Sehwag talked about why he is not interested in taking the coaching role for the national team. He said that his children are young, and if he takes the role, he won't be able to give them time but added that he might take up a mentor role in IPL.

Virender Sehwag is arguably one of the fiercest batters to have played the game. The opening batter believed in destroying the bowling lineups of teams and he did that in all three formats. He consistently gave India powerful starts and helped them win many games.

Virender Sehwag retired from cricket in 2015, and after that, he picked up a commentary stint and then also took up a coaching role in the Indian Premier League. He played for Punjab Kings in 2014 and 2015 and then took on a mentor role for the franchise in 2016.

After being the mentor of the team for one season he was appointed as the director of cricket of Punjab Kings. The former India opener was with the franchise till 2018. However, after that, he has been away from the coaching role and has been doing commentary since then.

Virender Sehwag also applied for the head coach of the India National Cricket Team in 2017, but he didn't get the cut as Ravi Shastri was preferred over him. Since then, he has been out of the scenes in a coaching role. He hasn't coached any international team and it comes as a big surprise because of the kind of experience he has.

Virender Sehwag said that he isn't keen to coach the Indian team, but if the opportunity comes for the IPL team, he will be eager for it.

He said that he wants to teach his sons, who are cricketers, and hence, if he coaches the Indian team, he won't be able to give them time. Speaking to Amar Ujala, he explained:

"I think, not for the Indian team, but if an opportunity comes for someone for the IPL team, I can see it. Because if I become the coach of the Indian team, then I will return to the same routine which I have done in the last 15 years.

"You played for the Indian team for 15 years, staying out of home for eight months a year. Right now, my kids are 14 and 16, and they need me. Both play cricket. One is an off-spinner and one is an opening batsman. I have to teach them...have to spend time with them."

If I get the role of a coach or mentor in IPL, then I will think about it - Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag highlighted how the coaching Indian team is required to stay with the team for 8 months.

He stressed that it would be a big challenge for him if he took the role. He, however, is interested in taking the 2-month coaching stint in IPL. He explained:

"If I become the coach of the Indian team, then it will be the biggest challenge for me if the players of Team India remain out for eight months. Then I will not be able to give my time to the children. But yes, if I get the role of a coach or mentor in IPL, then I will definitely think about it," he concluded.