Virender Sehwag Backs Kumble To Become Indian Selector In Future

Kumble was the coach of the Indian team between 2016 and 2017 before stepping down from the role just a day after India lost to Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag wishes to see former skipper Anil Kumble as the national selector in the future. He believes that Kumble's ability to boost the confidence of the players makes him an ideal candidate for the role. During a promotional event, Sehwag highlighted the qualities of his former teammate and said, “When Anil Kumble became the captain, he came to my room and said 'go and play how you play as in the next two series you won't be dropped'. That kind of confidence he gave... I think he is the right person (to become a national selector). Kumble was the coach of the Indian team between 2016 and 2017 before stepping down from the role just a day after India lost to Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy after an alleged rift with captain Virat Kohli. Sehwag also commented over who among Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane should play as India will take on the West Indies in the first match of the two-Test series in Antigua from Thursday. “Rohit can play the Test against the West Indies only if India play four bowlers. Else I would play only Rahane despite his lack of form," the former opener said. Sehwag also made light of the mandatory use of neck pads in the aftermath of Steve Smith being hit badly by a ferocious Jofra Archer bouncer in the second Ashes Test at Lord's. “I never used a chest pad in my life... So I don't think I need to use neck pads. Batsmen have the bat in hand, helmet on head, what more do you need. ICC has allowed only two bouncers,” he said. Sehwag also felt that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should have batted at No. 5 in the World Cup semifinal which India lost to New Zealand. “M.S. Dhoni should have batted at no. 5 in the World Cup semifinal and not lower down. (Hardik) Pandya should have batted down the order,” he said. Sehwag also expressed his happiness over out of favour India pacer and his former teammate Sreesanth's ban being reduced to seven years. “Good to see Sreesanth's ban is reduced. Happy for him. Hope to see him play for some club or state,” Sehwag concluded.