Sourav Ganguly urges BCCI to accord fitting farewell to Virender Sehwag

New Delhi: Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise a fitting farewell for retiring Virender Sehwag.

In a chat with the Times of India, Ganguly, who played a major role in Sehwag's career, called him an extraordinarily gifted cricketer.

"I would have loved to see him on the field while bidding adieu. I urge the BCCI to accord a fitting farewell to this extraordinarily gifted cricketer. It wouldn't be a bad idea to felicitate Viru - in India colours - during the Mumbai ODI," Ganguly said.

Soon after announcing his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, Sehwag hailed Ganguly's leadership skills and said he was the one who sacrificed his opening slot for him.

Narrating one of the funny anecdotes, Ganguly said, "I will never forget the NatWest Trophy final. When the two of us were walking out to chase England's 325, Sehwag was whistling. I was tense and told him to focus on the task. He told me, 'Captain, we will win this game'!"

Sehwag, who represented India in 104 Tests and 251 ODIs, had mentioned he will retire from cricket soon at a press conference in Dubai on Monday.

The swashbuckling right-hander chose a nice occasion to announce his retirement as he turned 37 yesterday.