Virender Sehwag Advises Players to Avoid Unnecessary Confrontations Amid IPL 2026 Criticism

Virender Sehwag has advised players to steer clear of unnecessary confrontations following Ajinkya Rahane’s recent “jealousy” comment about critics during IPL 2026. Sehwag, a former India opener, highlighted that engaging in such disputes holds little value, especially as attention mounts on Kolkata Knight Riders amid their winless streak this season.
Rahane, currently leading KKR through a challenging phase with consecutive losses, displayed visible displeasure when probed about his strike rate in a press conference. His response, where he labeled critics as “jealous,” stood out for its sharp tone, deviating from his usual composed demeanor.
After KKR’s initial match, Rahane responded with more restraint to a question about Cameron Green not bowling, hinting at Cricket Australia’s influence on the matter. Sehwag acknowledged this response but noted an inconsistency in tone, emphasizing the need for players to maintain neutrality towards both praise and criticism.
“I don’t think players should engage in such exchanges. If someone questions my batting style or strike rate, I understand people will both praise and criticize me, but it’s crucial to remain neutral towards both. Why involve oneself in unnecessary conflicts?” Sehwag expressed his viewpoint to Cricbuzz.
Citing examples of revered personalities known for their calmness, Sehwag highlighted that silence often conveys more than direct responses. He referenced stalwarts like former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who seldom directly address criticism despite enduring intense public scrutiny.
“They may appear to be responding to critics, but even Bachchan saab (Amitabh Bachchan) never retorted to his critics. There’s no bigger example than Tendulkar; a newspaper once even dubbed him ‘Endulkar,'” Sehwag remarked.
“Thus, I believe silence is golden. Score a century, and all doubts will fade. Stay composed and focus on your game. What more is needed? I don’t think such matters warrant a response,” he concluded.