NEW DELHI, IANS/CMC – Indian shotgun opener Virender Sewhag has hailed the influence of West Indies batting legend Sir Vivian Richards, after hammering an unbeaten 95 end a run of poor form and propel Delhi Daredevils to their first win of the Indian Premier League here yesterday.
Playing at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi crushed Mumbai Indians by nine wickets to end a six-game losing streak in the competition.
Sehwag, who hammered 13 fours and two sixes off 57 deliveries in a 151-run opening stand with Sri Lankan stroke-maker Mahela Jayawardene (59) said afterward a chat with Sir Viv had proven crucial.
“Viv Richards also spoke about bluffing. He said even if a batsman feels scared inside he should show that he is confident,” said Sehwag, who had gone nine innings in all formats this year without a significant score.
“You could say the wind favoured Delhi today. We were focused on training hard, on our fitness. When I’m batting well, I try to control the match.”
Sir Viv, who joined the franchise Friday as a team advisor and ambassador, spoke for a while with Sehwag before the start and also took part in the team huddle.
Opting to bat first, Mumbai reached 161 for four with Rohit Sharma (73) and Sachin Tendulkar (54) getting half-centuries. West Indies limited overs star Kieron Pollard hit 19 not out while his Windies teammate Dwayne Smith failed with eight.
In reply, Delhi rode on Sehwag and Jayawardene’s partnership, reaching their target with three overs to spare.
