Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricketer and now a commentator, has expressed excitement about the upcoming ILT20 Season 3 finale while praising the batting-friendly pitches in the UAE. Ahead of Qualifier 2 between Sharjah Warriorz and Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, Sehwag predicted an intense contest. The winner of this match will face Dubai Capitals in the final, set to be played on Sunday, February 9, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Sehwag emphasized how UAE’s stadiums offer ideal conditions for high-scoring matches. Reflecting on his past experience, he stated that although he didn’t get many opportunities to play in the UAE, the few games he played for India and in the IPL were enjoyable, particularly in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. He hopes that both the Qualifier 2 and the Final will deliver thrilling encounters, similar to the recent nail-biting match between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers, which went down to the last ball.
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Having been part of ILT20 as a commentator since its inception, Sehwag highlighted the league’s growing stature and its significance in global cricket. He praised the ILT20 for providing valuable exposure to UAE cricketers and players from the Middle East, comparing its role to that of the IPL in developing Indian cricket. One of the unique aspects of this league, according to Sehwag, is the presence of nine international players in a single team, which is not seen in other leagues.
Speaking about the rising competition in the tournament, he noted that ILT20 has attracted top international players over the years, benefiting UAE’s young cricketers by giving them the experience of playing alongside global stars. This season has been particularly exciting, with many close matches and numerous games where teams crossed the 200-run mark.
When asked about a player he would have liked to bat alongside in the ILT20, Sehwag named Australia’s David Warner, who recently played a match-winning knock of 93* against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to take Dubai Capitals into the playoffs.
On the possibility of Indian players participating in the ILT20, Sehwag expressed his desire to see retired Indian cricketers join the league. He mentioned that if players who have recently retired from international cricket or the IPL, such as Dinesh Karthik, wish to participate, it would be exciting for fans. He particularly wished that India’s six-hitting legend, Yuvraj Singh, could have played in the ILT20, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
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