Virender Sehwag was one of the strong pillars of the India batting lineup, winning a number matches for India on his own. As an opener, Sehwag provided flying starts to the team and was a threat to the opponent whenever he was at the crease.
However, when there was a slump in his batting form, the selectors were forced to drop Sehwag from the team, at a time when MS Dhoni was leading the side.
A number of reports in the media suggested there was a rift between Sehwag and Dhoni, but the swashbuckling opener denied any issues and maintained that they enjoyed a 'good relationship'.
The rift was highlighted by the media even more when Sehwag thanked players such as Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar by name during his farewell speech in Delhi, while Dhoni's name did not figure at all.
"We had a good relationship. People complained that I didn't thank him but I thanked all my colleagues. So that includes him," ESPNCricinfo quoted Sehwag as saying.
Sehwag said he is still good friends with Dhoni. "We went to London to play a charity game this year and had a good chat," the former India opener added. "That shows that we are friends because only friends have a chat, or else you mind your own business. We spoke about Indian cricket and strategies and we had a good time."
Though Sehwag captained India in all formats of the game, he was never a permanent captain, missing a golden chance to lead the side when the then skipper Rahul Dravid resigned. Sehwag, at the time, though, was not a part of the team. Dhoni was given the responsibility.
"I could have continued had I done well as a captain then, but it is all about opportunities. Dhoni was the right guy and he did a great job as captain. The important thing is that we won the World Cup and became the No. 1 Test team, which is what we sought to achieve. You can't fight with your luck," added Sehwag.
