Former India opener Virender Sehwag has opened up about a fiery confrontation with ex-head coach Greg Chappell that left a lasting impact on him.

Speaking on The Life Savers Show, Sehwag recalled how Chappell frequently questioned his batting technique, particularly criticizing his footwork. “He told me, ‘If you don’t move your feet, you won’t score runs.’ I reminded him that I had already scored over 6,000 runs at an average of more than 50 without changing my style, but he remained adamant,” Sehwag shared.

The disagreement escalated into a heated argument, prompting then-captain Rahul Dravid to step in and defuse the tension. However, Chappell later issued Sehwag a direct ultimatum before he went out to bat: “Make sure you score, or I’ll drop you.” Motivated by the challenge, Sehwag went on to score 184 in the second session. “After that, I told Dravid, ‘Please tell your coach not to come near me,’” he added with a smile.

Sehwag’s anecdote highlights the tense atmosphere in the Indian dressing room during Chappell’s tenure from 2005 to 2007. Known for his fearless and instinctive batting, Sehwag often relied on his natural style rather than technical corrections, a strategy that paid off multiple times, making him one of India’s most explosive openers.

Despite Chappell’s controversial methods, Sehwag went on to build a legendary career, amassing over 17,000 runs across formats and scoring two triple centuries in Test cricket.

Chappell’s coaching stint remains one of the most debated periods in Indian cricket history, with several players later criticizing his approach. Sehwag’s story adds insight into the strained relationships during that era while showcasing his confidence in sticking to his unique style.