Virender Sehwag said his dismissal for 131 in the second Test had provided the motivation for his Mumbai masterclass.
Opener blasts 284 not out, Lara's record looms
India opener Virender Sehwag revealed his dismissal for 131 in the second Test in Kanpur had provided the motivation for his sensational double century on the second day of the final Test against Sri Lanka.
Sehwag blasted an unbeaten 284 off 239 balls as India finished day two at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on 443-1, a lead of 50.
The Delhi-born right-hander is just 16 runs away from becoming the first batsman in Test history to record three triple centures, having previously made scores of 309 against Pakistan in 2004 and 319 against South Africa 21 months ago.
And, if he reaches that milestone, he can then turn his sights to Brian Lara's Test record score of 400.
"I missed out on a double century in the last Test in Kanpur and I wanted to make amends," Sehwag said.
"I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out and I batted the best way I thought was possible.
"I was cautious at the start because I did not want to give the opposition any chances as I had done in the two previous matches.
"I thought I would bide my time, see off the new ball and then take my chances."
Excellent track
Sehwag made Sri Lanka's attack look pedestrian as he helped India score 168 in the afternoon session alone.
"I was seeing the ball really well and I just wanted to keep the momentum going," he continued.
"This is an excellent track to bat on and it played true.
"Perhaps it was the dampness in the pitch which helped the bowlers yesterday and it was probably that which had aided seam movement and turn.
"I guess it would be good to bat on tomorrow as well and we would look to take advantage and continue in the same fashion.
"I think it would take turn from the fourth day onwards."
Sehwag was particularly harsh on the spinners, hitting Muttiah Muralitharan for 78 runs off the 70 balls he faced from the leading wicket taker in Tests.
"Muralitharan is a big challenge and when playing a quality bowler like him you have to attack early, otherwise he will dominate," he added.
"I thought rather than let him dominate, I would attack him from the start and keep him on the back foot."
Awestruck
Fellow opener Murali Vijay, who put on 221 with Sehwag for the first wicket, was full of admiration for his partner.
"It was an amazing innings and it was great watching from the other end," Vijay said.
"I've learnt a lot batting with him in just this one innings and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
"I just wanted to be positive, get the team off to a good start and concentrate on backing Viru.
"With him around, you really don't have to bother about the scoring rate."
