Viru takes offence, says he wants a defensive partner

gravity of the issue. Both the aforementioned players worked as a balancing factor to the extra-aggression of Sehwag. More than anyone else, the Delhi dasher knows it well.

‘‘In my opinion, the other opener should be defensive. I need, may be India too require, a defensive opener whose technique is correct. He should be able to play the first 15-20 overs without any hussle. According to me, the ideal combination is someone like Aakash Chopra or Sanjay Bangar becuase both of them are defensive players and that allows me to go for my shots,’’ Sehwag said here on Tuesday.

Though he failed to convert the 40s into three-figures, Chopra’s role in countering the dangerous duo of Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee during the Australian tour was important. Chopra and Sehwag combined well to construct two century opening partnerships Down Under.

While Bangar, another doughty customer at the crease, showed his utility during the England tour in 2001. His nearly three-hour vigil at the crease along with Rahul Dravid paved the way for an Indian win at Headingly.

But now, Yuvraj being promoted as opener it will be a double bill. Two batsmen with great attacking prowess can be heady stuff for romantics, but on a practical ground, the stability factor of such a partnership is a matter of dispute.