Virender Sehwag Explains Delhi Capitals' 2008 IPL Decision Over Virat Kohli

Sehwag Reflects on Delhi's 2008 Choices

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has shared insights into why the Delhi Daredevils, now known as Delhi Capitals, chose Pradeep Sangwan over a young Virat Kohli during the first season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He emphasized that the decision was influenced by the need for team balance and a shortage of bowling options at that time.

Challenges in Team Composition

In a discussion on JioHotstar, Sehwag explained that the franchise had a strong top-order batting lineup, which complicated the selection process for the playing XI. He noted, "Back in 2008, we had a packed batting order with players like Shikhar Dhawan and Tilakratne Dilshan, who were both openers. However, we had to adjust their batting positions to accommodate Gautam Gambhir and myself at the top. Manoj Tiwary filled the number four spot, making it challenging to include everyone in the lineup."

Bowling Needs Over Batting Talent

Sehwag further mentioned that although Kohli was also a top-order batsman, the team had to prioritize their bowling resources due to the squad's structure. "At that time, Virat was batting at number three or four, and we simply didn't have the room to include him. Our need for a bowler led us to select Pradeep Sangwan instead of Kohli," he added.

Kohli's Success with Royal Challengers Bangalore

During the same IPL auction, the Royal Challengers Bangalore secured Kohli for Rs 12 Lakh. He has since become one of the franchise's most prominent players. Over his IPL career, Kohli has scored 8,889 runs in 272 matches and 262 innings, achieving eight centuries and 65 half-centuries with an average of 39.86.

In the current IPL 2026 season, Kohli leads the run charts with 228 runs from five matches, including two fifties.