Why would Virender Sehwag alter the structure of One-Day International cricket when there are demands for a revamp?

To enable One-day International (ODI) cricket withstand the assault of T20 and other shorter forms, former India cricketer and recently inducted member of the ICC Hall of Fame Virender Sehwag on Tuesday rejected any recommendations to change the format.

While many have advocated abolishing the One Day International (ODI) format, others, such as cricket great Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri, have recommended modifying it to ensure that it continues to draw viewers. Tendulkar wants the game to go four innings, each lasting twenty-five runs, while Shastri has proposed reducing it to forty overs instead of fifty. Since many fans were weaned on the explosive Twenty-20 format, the ODIs have become tedious and predictable. As a consequence, shorter formats like T20 and The Hundred have been developed to keep the fans interested.

However, Sehwag quickly put an end to all of this discussion with a single query of his own.

“What is the reason for changing the format?”

“They can watch T20 if they’d want (a shorter game). Sehwag said, “Why destroy this format? All that’s needed to make it more attractive is for the players to play aggressive cricket.” Speaking outside of an event to present the newest members of the ICC Hall of Fame—Sehwag, Diana Edulji, the pioneer of women’s cricket in India, and Aravinda de Silva, the former World Cup champion of Sri Lanka—

ODI cricket is a cricket format that falls between Tests and T20, including aspects from both competitions. The former India opener said there was no reason to modify it.

Sehwag also discussed the importance of players developing their own unique playing style rather than imitating their heroes during the event.

Everyone referred to Sehwag as a Tendulkar clone when he joined the Indian squad and embarked on his first tour of England. “I could mimic Tendulkar’s appearance and even his manner, but I couldn’t bat or scream like him and achieve the same level of success. I altered my playing technique and posture because I wanted to be the first Sehwag rather than the second Tendulkar. I might be so successful because of this,” Sehwag said.

In addition to telling his son Aryaveer not to imitate him, he stated he had also instructed his kid to play aggressive cricket. I make an effort to help him grow mentally. He gets my mentality,” Sehwag said. Only when a youngster has potential can athletes like Rahul Dravid and myself assist shape their mentality, he said.