Virender Sehwag Reflects on Setbacks and Comebacks
Virender Sehwag has faced many turning points throughout his international cricket career, each marked by periods of absence followed by determined returns to the side. The former Indian opener has now taken on a new position as host of Rise & Fall Season 2, a show that investigates stories of achievement and suffering.
The programming premieres on September 26, 2026, and will stream for free on Prime Video and the MX Player Android app, with new episodes appearing every day at 12 noon IST for a 42-day run.
Sehwag takes over hosting duties from Ashneer Grover, who led the inaugural season. In sharing his own experiences with professional disappointments, Sehwag has opened up about the pattern of falls and recoveries that marked his playing career.
Early career setbacks and the path to comeback
The opener’s maiden international appearance came in 1999, when he hit 104 in his Test debut. Sachin Tendulkar was batting alongside him in that match and hit 155.
That early success was followed by his expulsion from the squad, a setback that tested his commitment as a young player. His comeback in 2001 heralded the beginning of a more sustained period with the team, albeit greater struggles lay ahead.
Between 2006 and 2007, Virender Sehwag had another time outside the Indian team.
The exclusion stretched through the England tour of 2007-2008, a significant series that he missed entirely. Rather than accept this as the end of his career, Virender Sehwag used the time away to increase his fitness and prepare for a prospective return.
Partnerships with Sachin Tendulkar and lessons learned
Throughout his career, Virender Sehwag forged key connections with Tendulkar, his senior and guide in the Indian batting lineup. The two batters shared many century stands and double-century partnerships throughout their tenure together in the team. Sehwag attributed Tendulkar’s impact to his early years in international cricket.
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Virender Sehwag accepted the hosting position while working for the Indian Premier League. Following his examination of their video and presentations, the Amazon Prime team invited him to host the show. His previous experience as an IPL pundit boosted his confidence in the task.
