Captaincy not on my mind as of now: Sehwag

Virender Sehwag is the only Indian player to be named in the ICC World Test XI for the Year 2008. While his form in the Test matches in Sri Lanka was appreciated, injury kept him away from ODIs. Zeecric.com’s Himanshu Shekhar caught up with the Najafgarh Nawab on the sidelines of a private cricket channel programme. Excerpts: Congratulations for being nominated in the ICC World Test XI, but isn’t it ironical that being an explosive batsman, you didn’t find a place in ICC ODI Test XI as well? Thanks. But I don’t feel that I am just an explosive batsman. My performances in the Test matches were exceptional and in comparison I didn’t do that good in ODIs. It is only on the performance that these awards come. Are you thinking of winning the ODI award too next year? I don’t play for awards but I would definitely try to be a substantial contributor in India’s ODI wins. Awards are mere reflection of your contribution and that’s it. Andrew Symonds will not be touring India. Do you think it will take the gloss away from the series? Well…(laughs) it is good for India. Symonds is an exceptionally talented cricketer. He is a player who can change the complexion of a match either by his batting or bowling. At number five or six, he is a dangerous batsman and is quite effective with his bowling as well. So India is definitely going to benefit from his absence. But he is a cricketer who actually engages spectators and you just can’t shift focus from him. Will that dent the fun of watching cricket? Of course. He is such a quality player that his absence would be a loss for the game of cricket. Last time when the Aussies toured India they managed to conquer the final frontier. But this Aussie side is without Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds. How will you rate their chances? Australia is still the best Test side in the world. They will be tough to beat in any format of the game. You can’t underrate them simply because they don’t have some big names. It will be a tough series and we are prepared for it. Your personal best against Kangaroos is 195 in Melbourne. Should we expect a triple century this time? I love challenges and facing the Aussie attack is going to be a huge challenge for all of us. I don’t think of scores while batting but I would wish to get a good one against the best bowling line up in the world. Having said that, its the team’s win which matters most and if I manage a triple ton in that pursuit, it is good. There is a speculation about Dhoni being zeroed in for Test captaincy as well. Is your form and seniority being sidelined? How far does captaincy matters to you? I am not thinking about that at the moment. As a senior player I have given my inputs when I felt like. Kumble is a great captain and if you remember Perth Test, he did go by my advice. Ishant was persisted with and he gave us a vital breakthrough. How is your ankle injury which forced you to return before the ODIs against Sri Lanka? I am completely fit now and looking forward to the Australia series. You were the most comfortable batsman against Ajantha Mendis in the Lanka Test series. Was their any specific team plan? No there wasn’t any specific plan. It was left on individuals on how they approach. The last time the two teams played Down Under, the series became one of the most controversial, probably only behind the Bodyline series, will that be repeated again? Its history now. We are not carrying any grudges forward and that is what sports is all about. Its time to move on with the game and that is what we would do. Is Sehwag ready for Team India’s Test captaincy, if it comes? (Smiles) That’s a tough question to answer right now. Thank You. Wish you score lot many runs in the series to come as well? Thank You.