5 life lessons we can learn from Virender Sehwag

#3 Break stereotypes by mixing innovation with tradition

For all his trail-blazing pyrotechnics, Sehwag adhered to the philosophy of going big once set

At a time when most other Test openers were quite content in seeing off the first spells of the new-ball bowlers, Sehwag changed the dynamics of the game by going after world-class pacers right from the outset. His method of taking the attack to the opposition early in the innings came as a shock to numerous long-time connoisseurs who were yet to embrace the idea of disturbing the rhythm of fast bowlers.

The late Bob Woolmer, who was one of the sharpest cricketing minds of his time, labelled Sehwag as a 'sophisticated slogger'. However, he did not care about the opinions of traditionalists and went about destroying bowling attacks by taking risks aplenty. But once he got his eye in, the opener followed the old school philosophy of scoring 'daddy hundreds'. While he was synonymous with his captivating stroke-play, the right-hander's unflappable temperament as well as extensive reservoirs of concentration were instrumental in his propensity to go big. Apart from going past the 200-run mark in the 50-over format, he also scored two triple tons and six double centuries in Tests.

Sehwag's insatiable appetite for monstrous scores is a lesson in combining innovation with tradition. While it is necessary to break stereotypes and establish new trends, change cannot come at the expense of convention. Juxtaposing ingenious ideas with the essence of well-etched norms can go a long way in elevating the stature of any individual. After all, the art of blazing new trails is in itself a by-product of devising different directions to existing paths.