I'll continue to play natural, attacking game: Sehwag
Monday, February 3 2003 15:57 Hrs (IST)

Durban: Undeterred by criticism that he often throws away his wicket by playing rash strokes, India's swashbuckling batsman Virender Sehwag on Monday said that he would continue to play his natural "attacking" game in the World Cup.

"I will play my game as I always I do. I know that sometimes people say I play rash shots and get out quickly. But in this tournament, although I will be taking precautions, I will however play my natural game," Sehwag said.

"It's a very proud moment for me to represent my country," said the 24-year-old Sehwag, who will be joining the English County side Leicestershire in April.

Sehwag said he had modelled his game on his hero Sachin Tendulkar and had learnt a lot from him after being selected in the national team.

"He is my hero and role model. I've admired Sachin ever since I was a schoolboy and since I started playing at the age of 15, I have always wanted to play like him," said the unassuming young star.

"Sachin is a legend and I want to follow in his footsteps," he added.

The young right-handed batsman has notched up five centuries and eight 50s in One- day Internationals and three centuries and seven half-centuries in Tests since his international debut in 1999.

Another young star in the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh, said that he was looking forward to taking as many wickets as possible in the tournament.

"I know that the people of India and supporters around the world are looking to the team to do well and I want to play my part," he said.

"I feel very good and I hope to claim many wickets. I feel it is a honour to represent my country and I want to go all out to do my best," the 22-year-old off spinner said.

PTI

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