Sehwag reveals his preference for coaching in the IPL

Virender Sehwag has revealed why he prefers coaching in the IPL over taking up the role of Team India's head coach. While the Indian cricket team recently appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach following Rahul Dravid's successful stint that ended with the 2024 T20 World Cup win, Sehwag has expressed his reasons for not being interested in the position.

Sehwag explained that he is not inclined to take on the high-demand job with Team India but is open to coaching an IPL franchise instead. "If the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I’d definitely consider it. But for the Indian team, the commitment would mean going back to the same routine I had for 15 years. Coaching India requires being on the road for 8-9 months a year, and at this stage, my kids, who are 14 and 16, need me more. They both play cricket for Delhi—one as an opening batter and the other as an off-spinner—and I want to spend time helping them with their game," Sehwag shared in an interview with Amar Ujala.

He emphasised that his biggest challenge with a full-time Team India role would be the inability to spend time with his family. However, with the IPL season lasting just 2-3 months, it offers more flexibility for retired players like him to contribute without the long-term commitment required by the national team coaching job.

Sehwag's stance comes amid reports that Rahul Dravid himself might return to his former IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals, as a mentor for the 2025 season, highlighting the appeal of the shorter IPL schedule for retired players looking to stay involved in cricket.