'It Was a Big Distraction': Virender Sehwag Explains How Shoaib Akhtar’s Run-ups Distracted Him - WATCH

Former India opener Virender Sehwag and Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar got involved in a friendly badinage in Dubai. While acting as promoters for the International T20 League 2024 held in the UAE, the duo engaged in a hilarious discussion over Shoaib’s long run-up.

The Pakistani speedster later uploaded the conversation in a post on X that read, “Humaray pyaray viru bhai yeh batay huay k mera lamba run up ko kitna intezar karwata that (Our beloved Viru brother explaining to us how my long run-up used to make him wait on the pitch]. And he feels it was a big distraction).” As Sehwag finished explaining what he used to see when facing Shoaib, he burst into a chuckle.

This display of wonderful camaraderie between the two cricketing legends has now caught the attention of several fans on the internet. One of them complimented the duo’s relationship as he said, “Love this bonding between the brothers”.

One hilariously suggested that Shoaib Akhtar would have had a lot of time to think about his next move since his run-up was so long. “And Shoaib bhai, you would also have a lot of time to think over what to do on your way to the crease,” he wrote.

Another one said that the cricketing duo were the best players of their generation. “Best batter & best bowler of their time,” his post read.

“Two legends in one frame,” read another reply.

In the video, Virender Sehwag explained how he would keep looking down knowing that it would take over 10 seconds for Shoaib Akhtar to finish his run-up. This led to the former Pakistan pacer enquiring if this would distract the opener when facing him. Sehwag replied by saying that a lot of thoughts would start going in his mind. He would then wonder if Shoaib was going to hit him in the toes or just launch a beamer onto his head. The cricketer was certain that the ball would hit somewhere.

Virender Sehwag enjoyed an illustrious career with the Indian cricket team, retiring as one of the most feared batters in the game’s history. Sehwag scored a total of 17,253 runs for India having represented the side in all three formats of the game. He boasted an impressive Test average of 49.34 while playing 104 matches in the format. He also played 251 ODs and 19 T20Is for India. Sehwag also took a career total of 136 scalps for the Men in Blue. He won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2007 T20I World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

While Shoaib Akhtar might not have won an ICC trophy with Pakistan, he was widely regarded as one of the most fierce pace bowlers of his generation. Having played a total of 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is with Pakistan, Shoaib scalped a total of 444 wickets.