'He might have prolonged his career, but he wouldn't have been Sehwag'

Amazed by the mental strength that Virender Sehwag exhibited in his prime, former Australian captain Ian Chappell said he would miss the just-retired
Indian swashbuckler, who could well have continued but only if he sacrificed his natural game. 

"He might have prolonged his career, but he might not have been Sehwag. I like it that he said, this is how I play, take it or leave it," Chappell told ESPNCricinfo. 

Dubbing the right-hander, who bid adieu to the game on Tuesday, as one of the "most entertaining batsman", Chappell said, "It has been many hours of pleasure watching Sehwag batting. He is a player of great mental strength. He just listens to you and then goes to the field the way he wants. And to be so successful in it was amazing."

Chappell also recounted an incident which gave an insight into Sehwag's uncomplicated approach to the game. 

"I remember, I met John Wright during his coaching in India. He said to me after Sehwag got out cheaply off a bad stroke, he told Sehwag to be a bit cautious. When I asked John what was Sehwag's reply, John said Sehwag just smiled and did not reply. I am going to miss Sehwag, as I really enjoyed his
batting," he recalled. 

"The specialty about him was he said this is the way I play, you can say what you like about it but this is how I play. This suits me best. There are not many guys who are so mentally strong like him." 

The 72-year-old also admitted that he is going to miss Sehwag, as he really enjoyed his batting.