Straight Answers

Virender Sehwag, Cricketer, On jumping on the brand-wagon:
Which brands do you endorse in the current context?
Adidas, Boost, Britannia, Hero Honda, Coke, Mayur and Colgate.
Till recently, all you endorsed was Coke. Now, with seven other brands in hand, do you feel that you have arrived?
I am happy that I am doing well. But success, for me, is not proportional to brands and contracts.Yes, they do make life comfortable, but they are a byproduct. Cricket — and only cricket — is responsible for my success, if any. I still have a long way to go.
You are said to idolise Sachin Tendulkar. How do you feel when you share a platform with him? You are the only other ambassador for Adidas and Boost, which have long been Sachin brands.
It is an honour. I feel very good when I am associated with him. Yes, Sachin is my favourite, though I have great respect for Kapil Dev as well.
As a cricketer, you have achieved a lot. Is there something that you still dream about?
I have always dreamt the same dream, tried to realise it and then dream on again. I always want to play more and more cricket and help the country win more and more matches.
Whom do you prefer opening with — Sourav Ganguly or Sachin?
It doesn’t matter whom I open with. It could be either or none. I concentrate on my game and don’t mind opening with anyone. What matters is that I give my best.
How are you preparing for the World Cup?
As of now, we are headed for New Zealand and that is top priority. I have not given a thought to the World Cup as yet. But that is how I am. I take one day at a time.