Out-of-favour Indian opener Virender Sehwag Tuesday said that ICC should not consider banning bouncers from the game in the wake of the tragic death of Australian cricketer Philip Hughes, as it will take the “fun” out of the system.
“It was very sad that Phil Hughes died in such a way, hitting the pull shot and got hit on his head and died. But it is a part of cricketing life. If you are playing any sport, injuries will come your way. Maybe you can die also, but you have an option to duck it (bouncer). So it is up to you as a batsman,” said the dashing batsman here.
“If you cut out the bouncers then there is no fun in the game of cricket. Then it's a batsman's game. I don't think ICC should do that,” Sehwag told reporters at the MoneyGram ICC World Cup Trophy tour event.
Sehwag further said he had been struck on his helmet on multiple occasions, but added that banning the bouncers would mean that bowlers would not have an important delivery in their arsenal.
“I have been hit a lot on my helmet by bouncers. If you remove bouncers, then perhaps the weapon that bowlers have will be over. Then cricket won't be that interesting,” the Delhi batsman said.
‘Hope to be in world cup’s probables’
It's been close to two years that he has been out of national team but veteran opener Virender Sehwag is hopeful that selectors would consider him in the 30-members probable's list for the next year's cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite not exactly setting the domestic stage on fire, the 36-year-old still harbours dreams of playing a fourth World Cup for his country.
“I also hope that my name appears in the 30-member strong probable list.
“Every cricketer who plays wants to play in the World Cup for his country. I also still dream and hope even I play in this World Cup,” Sehwag, who has played the 2003, 2007 and 2011 editions of the event, said.