Untold Stories: When Virender Sehwag Used to Gift Umpires So They Wouldn’t Give Him Out on the Field

Known for his explosive starts, Sehwag recently shared a funny behind-the-scenes secret. He revealed that by simply being friendly with umpires, cracking jokes, and keeping things light on the field, he sometimes escaped close calls. His easy going nature helped him stay not-out in a few games. Sehwag’s charm and wit off the field matched his bold approach on it, making him one of the game’s most entertaining players.

When Sehwag Gifted Asad Rauf Shoes, T-shirts, and Glasses

Opening the batting for India has always been a tough task, but Virender Sehwag made it look effortless with his fearless attitude and attacking style. One of the most entertaining characters Indian cricket has seen, Sehwag had a unique way of getting things done, both with his bat and his style. Apart from his explosive batting, he also had a knack for forming bonds with the umpires, which sometimes worked in his favour in unexpected ways.

In a candid chat on the show ‘What The Duck’, Sehwag shared a funny memory involving former umpire Asad Rauf. He revealed how a light-hearted friendship with Rauf once helped him survive a dismissal that, on any other day, would have sent him back to the pavilion. Sehwag recalled that Rauf was quite fond of branded items like sunglasses, t-shirts, and shoes. Since Sehwag was associated with Adidas back then, he once gifted Rauf a few Adidas goodies, some shoes, t-shirts, and a cool pair of sunglasses. While doing so, he jokingly told Rauf not to raise his finger while Sehwag was batting. It was said in a fun spirit, but Sehwag hinted that this small gesture might have had an impact later. He said:

Asad Rauf was very fond of collecting things. He loved wearing branded glasses, t-shirts, and shoes among other things. I was the brand ambassador of Adidas at the time, so I gifted him shoes, t-shirts, and glasses and I jokingly told him not to raise his finger while I am batting.

Fast forward to the 2008 Test match between India and Australia in Mohali. In India’s second innings, Sehwag was batting fluently and had reached 90. Mitchell Johnson bowled a delivery that took a loud edge off Sehwag’s bat. The sound was so clear that it was reportedly heard even in the dressing room. The Australians appealed immediately, but to everyone’s surprise, especially Ricky Ponting’s, umpire Asad Rauf gave it not out. He added:

We were playing against Australia in Mohali in 2008 — the same match where VVS Laxman got us over the line. Mitchell Johnson bowled a short-pitch delivery and I attempted a cut shot but ended up edging it. So the edge was so thick that it was heard even inside the dressing room but Rauf gave me not out.

Ricky Ponting was caught off guard during a hilarious on-field moment with Virender Sehwag. After Sehwag clearly edged a delivery, Ponting approached him, sensing a possible dismissal. But instead of walking, Sehwag stayed put. When questioned about it, Sehwag’s calm demeanour made the moment even more amusing. He didn’t argue or get defensive, but kept his cool, which added to Ponting’s confusion. He added:

Ricky Ponting argued with Rahuf that how he could give it not out. The umpire told him that there was no edge. Ponting then asked “Did you nick it?” I said “Yes”. He then went back to Asad Rauf and told him “even Viru is saying he nicked it”. Then they both came up to me and Rauf asked me “Did you nick it?” to which I said “No”.

Ponting then walked up to the umpire, Asad Rauf, and explained that Sehwag had acknowledged the edge. Rauf turned to Sehwag, looking for confirmation, but Sehwag casually shrugged it off and denied it altogether, leaving both Ponting and the umpire in a fix. This moment perfectly reflected Sehwag’s charm, presence of mind, and ability to enjoy the game without taking things too seriously. It wasn’t about cheating or dishonesty and it was about the fun, banter, and smart play that often defines cricket’s human side.

When Sehwag Gifted Umpire Rudi Koertzen a Pair of Pads Just for Fun

Another incident where cricket and kindness crossed paths was when Virender Sehwag fondly recalled his bond with legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen. Following the tragic passing of Koertzen in a car accident in August 2022, Sehwag paid an emotional tribute, sharing stories that showed not just their on-field connection but also a unique friendship built on mutual respect. Rudi Koertzen, who passed away at 73, was returning home to Despatch in Eastern Cape from Cape Town when the accident occurred.

During one of their conversations, Koertzen mentioned that he was trying to find a particular brand of pads for his son. Sehwag, who was associated with a major sports brand at the time, decided to make things easier. He arranged the gear and personally handed it over to Koertzen as a gift. But what made the moment even more memorable was Sehwag’s unique way of mixing generosity with humour. While giving the pads, he light-heartedly told Koertzen to remember this gesture the next time he was umpiring a match involving him. He said:

Vale Rudi Koertzen! Om Shanti. Condolences to his family. Had a great relation with him. Whenever I used to play a rash shot, he used to scold me saying, “Play sensibly, I want to watch your batting”. One he wanted to buy a particular brand of cricket pads for his son. And enquired about it from me. I gifted him and he was so grateful. A gentleman and a very wonderful person. Will miss you Rudi. Om Shanti.

It was a fun nudge, the kind of friendly reminder only Sehwag could deliver, full of wit but with no serious intent. Their bond on the field was equally visible. Sehwag recalled how Koertzen would often express his disappointment when the Indian opener got out playing a reckless shot. Koertzen genuinely enjoyed watching Sehwag bat and was never shy about letting him know. This mutual respect was rare and refreshing in an era dominated by high-pressure cricket.