Virender Sehwag has spoken against the practice of comparing young cricketers with their legendary fathers, arguing that such comparisons place unfair pressure on the next generation. The former India opener made his views clear in a recent interview, emphasising that sons of cricket icons deserve the space to build their own careers without being measured against their parents’ extraordinary achievements.
Speaking to NDTV, Sehwag addressed the widespread tendency to draw parallels between established players and their children who are still early in their careers. He highlighted the case of Arjun Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar’s son, who has been playing senior cricket for several years but continues to face constant comparisons with his father.
“The comparisons will be there. We played cricket and we did so well, and now our kids are playing cricket, so they will compare,” Sehwag said in the above mentioned source.
Why comparisons with fathers are unfair?
Sehwag expressed particular concern about the emotional toll such comparisons take on young players. His own son, Aaryavir Sehwag, is 18 years old and currently playing for India’s U19 team alongside Rahul Dravid’s son Anvay. Sehwag acknowledged that young cricketers feel the weight of these unfair expectations when media and fans draw parallels with their fathers’ achievements.
“They will also get upset, you know, when the media or when people will compare. He is 18. I did so much for myself and for my team, and he’s just started. So I think it’s not fair,” Sehwag said.
Aaryavir Sehwag reflects on father’s legacy and pressure
Arjun Tendulkar’s case and his own identity
Regarding Arjun Tendulkar specifically, Sehwag pointed to the all-rounder’s recent performances in domestic cricket as evidence that he should be judged on his own merits. Arjun has demonstrated his ability as a fast bowling all-rounder, scoring a hundred and taking five wickets in Ranji Trophy cricket. Yet media and fans continue to measure him against Sachin’s unparalleled legacy.
“People are comparing Sachin Tendulkar’s son with Sachin. That’s not fair. He’s a fast bowling all-rounder who did well, scored a hundred and took five wickets and all in Ranji Trophy. But I don’t know why people are comparing him with Sachin. He will make his own name and play the way he wants to play. He will not follow in his father’s footsteps,” said Sehwag.
Sehwag called for patience and perspective from both the media and cricket fans. He urged them to allow young cricketers to develop their skills and establish themselves before drawing any meaningful comparisons. His message was clear: the next generation should be given the opportunity to write their own stories.
“Let them play first. Let them do something and then you will start comparing with others,” Sehwag said.
Aaryavir Sehwag demonstrated promise at the U19 level, scoring 109 runs across three matches in India’s recent one-day series against Australia’s U19 team, which India won 3-0. The young batter provided aggressive starts in all three games, showcasing his potential as a cricketer in his own right.
