JOIN USThe Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Tuesday named Gate no 2 of the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium after the legendary batsman Virender Sehwag.
Sehwag, who inaugurated the gate that had his picture, called it a positive start in DDCA. He is the first Delhi cricketer to have been bestowed with the honour.
"I was very happy when I got to know that a good start has been made in Delhi. A gate has been named after me and I hope in the coming years, more cricketers will get to have a similar honour. I hope later we can have dressing room, stands and other things named after cricketers. It's a good thing and a positive move from DDCA. I had a wish that whenever such a function happens, we should call all the cricketers who have represented Delhi and India, all the people I was connected with," Sehwag said.
"It is a happy occasion that players who played with me, taught me or I played first time with in Ranji Trophy, are here."
Sehwag also fondly recalled contributions of Bishan Singh Bedi and Mohinder Amarnath in his career. "Bishan Singh Bedi was my first Ranji Trophy coach and he used to motivate me a lot. Then I got a lot of batting tips from Jimmy pa (Mohinder Amarnath). When we used to go to Baroda and Goa he used to come and talk to us. "
He hoped the move would encourage the youngsters. "Any young cricketer will get motivated reading the name. Virender Sehwag played here as a kid and when he left there is a gate named after him. The kid can feel if I can also play for under-19, under-16, under-23 or Ranji for Delhi and then represent India, then a gate or a stand will be named after me," said Sehwag, whose only regret was not being part of the Delhi team that went on to win Ranji Trophy. He was away on national duty at the time.