New Delhi: 
Less than 24 hours after Team India's exit from the Asia Cup, the players were engaged in their next assignments. Although 'rested' for the Asia Cup, regular vice-captain Virender Sehwag was the first to engage in Indian Premier League (IPL) promotional events. Sehwag was not inclined to talk on his team's recent showing in Australia and Bangladesh, but eventually conceded that performing abroad had become tougher in recent years even for the best teams.
"Every team goes through such phases. Even the mighty Australians have not been an exception. England lost 0-3 in Pakistan. There is always a home advantage, and every team is exploiting that now. I think our time will come, and results will change for Indian cricket too," Sehwag said.
The IPL thrives on young blood, but Sehwag insisted that age had little to do with performance, before dismissing talk of the seniors' impending retirement. "I think when a player thinks that his time is up, then he should decide on his retirement. As long as the player is enjoying, performing and winning games, he should be allowed to continue.
"It's up to the individual. Nobody can force them to retire. Cricket is not like a government job where retirement age is fixed at 60. A cricketer can retire at 30 or 60; it's up to the player. (Sanath) Jayasuriya played till 42," Sehwag said.
Before signing off, Sehwag admitted that he regrets missing the celebrations of Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century, having waited for the milestone for more than 12 months.
Virender Sehwag had asked the selectors and the Board to rest him for the forthcoming Asia Cup, contrary to media reports that the opener was dropped. It is learnt that Team India physio Evan Speechly had submitted a fitness report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prior to the national selectors' meeting at the Cricket Centre yesterday. The report deemed that Sehwag and Zaheer Khan should be rested for the Asia Cup that runs from March 11 to 22.
