Laxman, Sehwag honoured with ceat awards
\Middle order stalwart VVS Laxman and opener Virender Sehwag were honoured for their longevity in the game and for their significant contribution to Indian cricket, at the CEAT International Cricket Awards. While Sehwag completed a decade in Test cricket, after having debuted in November 2001, Laxman completed 15 years, having debuted in November 1996.
Among India's other awardees, Virat Kohli won the Youngster of the Year award and Suresh Raina won the T20 Player of the Year award for the 2010-11 season. Left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir walked away with the Match-Winning Innings of the Year honour for his superb 97 in the World Cup final against Sri Lanka on April 2 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Among international awardees, England batsman Jonathan Trott picked up two awards - International Cricketer of the Year, as well as Batsman of the Year - while his teammate and swing bowler James Anderson got the International Bowler of the Year award at the function held in the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Saturday.
Asked how he could play an attacking game even in Tests, Sehwag gave credit to the time he grew up playing ten-over cricket back home.
"I was playing ten-over games when I started and there you have to make runs very quickly. That's why I try to score off every ball, but on merit. I also try to sing a song when I bat and my favourite song is Chala Jaata Hoon [by Kishore Kumar]," he said.
Meanwhile, former captain Sunil Gavasakar asked Laxman how the calm and composed Rahul Dravid reacted when Sehwag blazes away at the other end.
"He walks up and down, he's a little bit tense, but is also excited, but cool," said Laxman. "Sehwag is extremely talented and his mindset is always positive, whatever be the situation."
Sehwag also revealed the secret behind Laxman's always calm demeanour at the crease, saying tongue-in-cheek, "I think that's because he takes a lot of time getting ready to bat in the dressing room. Since he comes in to bat at No 5, he can afford to do all that. He showers twice before going out to bat. He'll do all his pooja and everything else. He follows that up with all his stretching exercises. We always say that VVS Laxman takes 45 minutes to warm up his body to bat.
"Meanwhile, the Indian team finish their warm-up in that much time. It's good to have a friend like him in the dressing room who will always share an honest opinion. I really love fielding alongside him in the slip cordon too," a cheerful Sehwag said.
On his own award, Laxman said: "My journey has been a very, very memorable one."
He added: "It's been great to be a part of the Indian squad and I've learnt a great deal from my experiences over the years." He rated his association with the present Indian team as "the best era of my playing career".
Former West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards were based on their performances as rated by CEAT Cricket Ratings for 2010-11.
All the nine award winners were present in person to receive the awards worth Rs 5 lakh each along with a trophy.
Kohli, after receiving the award, said, he was eager to grab the opportunity he has been provided with by the selectors and do well in Test cricket.
"Test cricket is one form of the game I want to do well in. I have got the opportunity to do well in Tests and I want to grab it," said Kohli.
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