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“I never expected to score a double hundred. While opening the innings, I told Gautam Gambhir that if we can show some patience on this track, we will be in for a big one as the wicket is good. The outfield is fantastic, and the distance to the boundary is only 50 yards,” Sehwag said after his knock of 219 off just 149 balls against the West Indies.

The dashing opener said that once the batting powerplay started, the thought of reaching the double hundred crossed his mind.

“It was only after the batting powerplay started that I felt that I could reach double hundred. Also when Sammy dropped me (at 170), I knew that God was with me,” Sehwag stated.

He thanked his family and thousands of fans who had always had the expectation that he can score a double hundred in ODIs.

“I want to thank my family and fans. I know people expected me to score a double century. Today, when I wanted to hit a six, I just did that.”

Sehwag said that he was determined to make amends for the string of poor scores in the first three ODIs.

“I have said this earlier also that the top—order needs to contribute. It was a wicket where one could score big runs if he stayed around for 30 overs.”

The historic knock certainly seemed to have taken a toll on Sehwag as he smiled and said: “Obviously, I am very tired.

I am an old man now and my back gets stiff. So I need to take an ice bath.”