Sehwag says he was inspired by Tendulkar

Flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag today said he wanted to emulate his idol Sachin Tendulkar and win the Best Cricketer of the Year Award of the Cricket Board and was happy to achieve the feat after eight years in international cricket.
"I have always watched Sachin on TV and wanted to emulate him. It's a great honour to win this award, especially a year after my role model Tendulkar won it. It took me eight years to do so. My first award was the Castrol Award. I thank the BCCI for this honour," Sehwag said after receiving the Polly Umrigar Award from Board President Shashank Manohar.

Gundappa Viswanath, the ex-India skipper and one-time middle-order mainstay, received the C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award from Manohar at the annual awards function.

The former wrist specialist, who brought unbridled joy to millions of Indian fans with his stylish play, said he considered the twin triumphs in 1971 in the West Indies and England as his best moments.

"I consider the 1971 tour under Ajit Wadekar of the West Indies and England as my best cricketing moments. Again we chased 400-plus and won (at Port of Spain in Trinidad in 1976) and I got a hundred which also is a special moment for me," said the Bangalore-based Vishwanath.