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‘You lose against Pakistan…’: Virender Sehwag recalls that one Asia Cup innings when he fought with ‘an empty stomach’
Former India opener Virender Sehwag reveals how losses to Pakistan affected his temperament. He also recalls scoring 119 runs while fasting during the 2008 Pakistan tour.
Last Updated on - September 6, 2025 4:39 PM IST
Before the Asia Cup 2025, Virender Sehwag, a former opener for India, discussed how losing to Pakistan affected his composure. During his time as an opener, the legendary batsman delivered some of his most powerful shots against Pakistan’s renowned fast bowlers.
He played 42 matches against Pakistan and maintained an impressive average of 50.65; however, the majority of those games ended in defeats. He has secured 17 victories but faced 21 losses, which contributes to his frustration.
“Whenever you lose against Pakistan. So I would lose my concentration. I would lose my temperament and everything,” Sehwag said in a video posted by Sony Sports Network on X.
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Sehwag showcased his strength against Pakistan while chasing a daunting target of 300 runs during India’s tour to Pakistan in 2008. The explosive batsman hit 12 boundaries and five sixes, scoring 119 runs off 95 balls with a strike rate of 125.26.
He scored the majority of the runs, contributing significantly to India’s victory by six wickets, with 47 balls remaining. It is particularly impressive that Sehwag achieved this remarkable feat while fasting.
“I was on a fast that day. On an empty stomach. I had to score runs to satisfy that hunger,” Sehwag said while recalling that innings.
Team India is set to face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Both teams are in the same group, which also features the UAE and Oman. The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 9, with India starting their campaign the following day against the UAE. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan will take place on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.
India has named its 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, led by Suryakumar Yadav. Key players include Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma. The team combines experienced stars and young talent, aiming to dominate the T20 tournament in the UAE with strong batting, pace, and spin options. Fans will watch closely as India looks to make a mark in the group stage and advance toward the finals.