Tendulkar's absence a big challenge: Sehwag

Explosive opener Virender Sehwag says the absence of Sachin Tendulkar would definitely have a bearing on the team's performance in the triangular series in Sri Lanka but expressed confidence that young guns in the team would raise up to the "big challenge."

"Sachin is a senior player; if he is not playing, it will definitely affect the team's performance. (But) we have youngsters also; it's a big challenge for us without Sachin and Sourav (Ganguly)," he told reporters in Bangalore.

Tendulkar recently underwent a surgery for tennis elbow and would miss the coming tri-series also involving the West Indies. Ganguly is also doubtful as he is currently serving the six-match ODI ban for the team's slow over rate during the home series against Pakistan in April.

Sehwag said during his brief interaction with new coach Greg Chappell, the 56-year-old former Australian captain stressed on the importance of skills and fitness if one had to play a long innings.

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On team's expectations from Chappell, he said it primarily relates to planning, strategy and also an attitude of treating all members of the team alike irrespective of their seniority.

Sehwag, attending the physical fitness and conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy here, said he is currently focusing on fitness, as also losing some weight.

He is also studying videos made by analyst S Ramakrishnan, which gives feedbacks on a player's negative and positive points. "It will help," Sehwag said, adding, it gives ideas on areas of improvement.

Asked how important is it for him to have a regular opening partner in Tests, Sehwag said it's important for the team to have a reliable opening pair to get a good start. "We are hoping to have a settled pair this season."

New ICC rules governing One-Day Internationals are exciting and interesting, Sehwag said. "It would benefit batsmen, while being tougher on bowlers; and planning becomes even more important and it will thrust added responsibility on captains."

Sehwag said he is yet to interact with kinesiology expert Dr Charles Krebs but quoted a few fast bowlers as saying that he is very good.

He also described his inclusion in the 20-member Rest of the World squads for the ICC Johnie Walker Series against world champions Australia in October this year as a great honour and opportunity.

"I am looking forward to performing well," Sehwag said. "It (the opportunity) has come to me in a very short career."