By IANS,
Indore: India’s stand-in captain Virender Sehwag said Thursday that he has fulfilled the expectations by hitting a record 219, the highest individual score in ODIs.
Sehwag’s innings also powered India to its highest ODI score of 418 for five in the fourth ODI against the West Indies at the Holkar Stadium here.
Sehwag said he never expected to score a double century but knew that god was with him. Sehwag surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 200 against South Africa in February last year in Gwalior.
“I never expected to score a double hundred. While opening the innings, I told Gautam Gambhir that if we can show some patience on this track, we will be in for a big one as the wicket is a good one. The outfield is fantastic and the distance of the boundary is only 50 yards,” Sehwag said.
Sehwag, who has two triple tons in Tests, said he grew confident of reaching a double century when the batting Powerplay started. He was also dropped by West Indies captain Darren Sammy when he was on 170.
“It was only after the batting Powerplay started, I felt that I could reach double hundred. Also when Sammy dropped me, I knew that God was with me,” Sehwag said.
Sehwag thanked his family and thousands of fans.
“I want to thank my family and fans. I know people expected me to score a double century. Today when I wanted to hit a six, I just did that.”
Sehwag said he was determined to make up for his poor performances in the first three ODIs against the West Indies.
“I have said this earlier also that the top-order needs to contribute. It was a wicket where one could score big runs if he stayed around for 30 overs.”
Asked if he was tired, Sehwag said: “Obviously, I am very tired. I am an old man now and my back gets stiff. So I need to take an ice bath.”