My fight was against system, not any DDCA official: Sehwag

Breaking the silence on his tussle with the Delhi and District Cricket Association, star opener Virender Sehwag said his fight was against the system and not any particular DDCA official.

Sehwag had threatened to join the Haryana Ranji team, claiming corruption and nepotism were rampant in DDCA selections as the all-powerful Sports Committee called the shots.

DDCA president Arun Jaitley subsequently met Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in presence of former India captain MAK Pataudi, who brokered peace between the rival parties.

Even though Sehwag pointed accusing fingers at the Vinod Tihara-led Sports Committee, the opener said he did not have problem with any individual.

"My fight is against the system. You have to change the system and put some good people who can look after the cricket. Lots of players are playing for India from Delhi. That is one good thing. Delhi has so much talent but talented players are not playing in Under-19 level. That's why I raised this issue," Sehwag told CNN-IBN. 

The hard-hitting batsman said he was happy with the outcome of the meeting and he also thanked Pataudi for volunteering to solve the issue.

"I was very happy and the meeting was very positive. Even Mr Pataudi came on my request. I am very thankful to him. He took out time for me and the DDCA. He joined that meeting. We had a positive meeting with Arun Jaitley and other members of the DDCA," Sehwag said.

The swashbuckling opener also rubbished media reports claiming he was considering moving to Haryana because the state government there had promised him a piece of land.

"That is not true. Everybody knows me, I am a straightforward guy. If I wanted something I would go and ask the president of DDCA or somebody else. Haryana gave me land because of my second triple hundred, not because I have to play for Haryana."

"I am thankful to (Haryana) chief minister Mr (Bhupinder Singh) Hooda who appreciated my performance and gave me this piece of land," he said.

Recovering from a shoulder surgery, Sehwag is out of India's tri-series in Sri Lanka and the subsequent Champions Trophy. 

But the right-hander said he was working hard to get the strength back in his shoulder.

"My rehabilitation is going really well. I am pushing myself very hard. After first week of September I will start batting in the nets."

"Normally I am throwing 20 or 50 balls a day but in second or third week of September, I will start throwing more and try to play the local tournament if I get a chance. I am working hard on my shoulder and hoping that I will be fit before the Champions League Twenty20," he said.

Sachin Tendulkar recently commented that Sehwag's batting reminded him of his early years. Asked to comment on that, Sehwag said, "I think it's a great honour for me because I play cricket only because of Sachin Tendulkar. He is my role model. I watched him on TV and always tried to copy him. If he is saying that, my life is fulfilled now."

"Even if I die tomorrow, I'll be the happiest man on earth. It's a great honour for me if Sachin is saying that," Sehwag said.