South African left-arm pacer Wayne Parnell has never shied away from admitting the challenges he faced throughout his international career. Having bowled to some of the greatest batters across eras, Parnell recently revealed which Indian cricketers gave him the toughest time at the crease — none other than the iconic duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
The Brutality of Tendulkar and Sehwag
In a candid interview, Parnell confessed that the experience of bowling to Tendulkar and Sehwag was as daunting as it was unforgettable. He described the duo’s contrasting yet equally destructive batting styles as a nightmare for bowlers.
“Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag gave me headaches,” Parnell admitted. “Tendulkar had this aura, a calm but commanding presence. Even a good delivery felt like he had it under control. Sehwag, on the other hand, never gave you time to settle — he could hit you for four even off a half-decent ball. That unpredictability was scary for a bowler.”
Two Different Styles, One Common Challenge
Tendulkar’s technical mastery and Sehwag’s fearless aggression often left bowlers with no room for error. For a youngster like Parnell, who burst onto the scene in the late 2000s, facing such an opening combination was nothing short of a baptism by fire.
Sehwag, especially, was notorious for taking the attack to fast bowlers early in the innings. Parnell acknowledged that the Delhi opener’s mindset of treating the first ball like the 50th left him rattled more than once. Tendulkar, meanwhile, could anchor the innings or accelerate when required — a blend that ensured bowlers were under relentless pressure.
Respect Beyond the Battle
Despite the “headaches,” Parnell expressed nothing but admiration for the two legends. “As a bowler, you want to test yourself against the best. Facing Tendulkar and Sehwag was frustrating at times, but it also helped me learn quickly. Looking back, those moments shaped me as a cricketer,” he reflected.
The Legacy Lives On
While Tendulkar retired in 2013 and Sehwag followed in 2015, their impact on international cricket — and on bowlers like Parnell — remains strong. The stories from opponents underline just how formidable the pair were at the top of India’s batting order.
For Parnell, those battles may have caused headaches, but they also became cherished memories. In the end, they highlight the enduring legacy of two Indian greats who defined an era with their mastery of the willow.
