I146;ll return with a big score, he146;d said

8216;8216;Although I would like to play my natural game 8212; playing shots irrespective of the bowlers I face 8212; I want to be known at the end of the day as a batsman who can contribute to the team8217;s success. I am not satisfied with scores of 30-40. I promise you, I8217;ll come back from Pakistan with a more consistent performance,8217;8217; he8217;d said.

That was evident at Multan today, as he began slowly before making a flurry of well-timed strokes on either side of the wicket. Although there were those typical Sehwag shots 8212; sixes over point and cover boundaries 8212; his maiden unbeaten double ton had a mixture of aggression and caution. The manner in which he decided to leave several deliveries that were pitched away from the stumps gave ample proof of the batsman8217;s determination and discipline.

His school coach A N Sharma, with whom he interacts regularly, said that before the tour of Australia, Viru had said that he was 8216;8216;a bit worried8217;8217; about getting out after 8216;8216;well set.8217;8217;

8216;8216;We used to have frequent arguments over his playing across the line. I then told him not to curb his strokes but to come in line of the ball and to play straight. Aaj woh wicket chhodke nahin khela, 8217;8217; Sharma said today.

8216;8216;Similarly, when Sehwag came to the school nets for a week before the team8217;s departure for Pakistan, I had told him to avoid playing too many strokes in the air, 8217;8217; the coach said.

8216;8216;People expect big scores from him every time. I am glad today Sachin guided him to make that big knock,8217;8217; Sharma said.

In fact, Sharma had even told Sehwag jokingly that he would talk to him only if he scored a double hundred. 8216;8216;I told him that he was capable of scoring 200 in a one-day game. He has the strokes to achieve that target. Today, I am very happy that Viru has proved me right. If he plays till lunch on the second day, he can even reach 300,8217;8217; said the proud coach.

We are used to it: Sehwag Sr

It8217;s become normal for us Viru scoring runs8217;8217;, his father Krishan said. 8216;8216;The excitement that was there initially is more controlled now. We know that he8217;ll make big runs and win matches for the country.8217;8217;

When asked how the family would celebrate the cricketer8217;s batting display at multan, Sehwag Sr said with a smile on his face: 8216;8216;We will not be the only people celebrating.The entire country is happy about his batting display. Poori duniya khushi mana rahi hai.8217;8217;

Sehwag Senior, who watched the first day8217;s play on television at his Najafgarh home, said the family wasn8217;t planning to visit Pakistan to watch Viru bat. 8216;8216;We enjoy watching his exploits on TV.8217;8217;