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Rediff.com  » Sports » Sehwag raring to go in tri-series final

Sehwag raring to go in tri-series final

January 13, 2010 11:32 IST
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Virender SehwagVirender Sehwag is set to return to the Indian side and play in the Wednesday's tri-series final against Sri Lanka.

The dashing opener, who was back in training on Tuesday after resting the previous days, says he is raring to make a contribution and give India victory.

"I will play in the final and I hope I will do well to win the series," he said.

Sehwag, who scored 47 and 9 in the two matches he played in the three-nation tournament, was rested for India's last two matches, and did not join the players in practice on Saturday and was not seen with the team on Sunday and Monday raising speculation about his fitness. However, he turned for optional nets on Tuesday much to the relief of Indian supporters.

On his absence, he said he received permission from the team management to rest.

"I was given rest by the team management and I enjoyed my it (at team hotel)," he said, after a two-hour nets session at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium's indoor facilities along with Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Sehwag dismissed talk that India's weak bowling would affect their chances in the summit clash.

"We have been playing against Sri Lanka with these bowlers in the past two-three months and they have done well.

"I think they will do well, with Zaheer Khan returning. He was brilliant in that match against Sri Lanka (on Sunday)."

On Virat Kohli's fine run in form, he cautioned against putting youngster under pressure.

"He is in fine form. A century and a 71 and 91, but we should allow him to enjoy his game. He is young and we should not put him under pressure," he added.

He said a lot would depend on winning the toss, but the team will have to post a big total in case Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not call the coin correctly and they are put into bat.

India lost their opening match of the tri-series against Sri Lanka on January 5 but bounced back strongly with three thumping wins -- two against Bangladesh and one against Kumar Sangakkara's men.

Victory on Wednesday will also narrow the gap between India and current ICC ODI rankings leader Australia.

India are seven points adrift Australia, at 123 points, going into the tri-series and having achieved the world No 1 status in Tests last month, they are eager to occupy the top spot in ODIs as well.

The match will also create a record of maximum number of games being played between any two countries in One-dayers.

Wednesday's encounter, which begins at 1330 IST, will be the 121st between India and Sri Lanka, eclipsing the record between Australia and West Indies (120).

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