Virender Sehwag’s son Aryavir will not understand why the entire crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk went berserk on Friday evening until he’s a little older. Along with mother Aarti, he spent the day in Chennai’s sweltering heat as his father scored a triple-hundred that will remain etched in history.

For a cricket-mad country that had to wait 72 years before seeing one of their own cross the landmark, Sehwag has now defied the odds twice over. And the 29-year-old from Najafgarh, who became only the third batsman after Don Bradman and Brian Lara to score two triple-tons, has a chance to go after Lara’s world record 400 not out in the first Test against South Africa when play resumes on Saturday.

It was hard to not notice that Sehwag, who recently lost his father, was getting a touch emotional. “I would like to dedicate it to my family, my wife and son and especially my dad. He is not with us but he always wished I play for India and score a lot of runs,” he said.

It was ironical that when Sehwag reached the 300-milestone, his partner at the other end was former captain Rahul Dravid (65 not out). Knocks such as the one on Friday were why Dravid, as skipper, had backed Sehwag to the hilt even when he was out of form. Often, at selection committee meetings, Dravid would have to fight to get the opener included. Sehwag’s innings was, in a way, a rejoinder to those who felt Dravid’s decision was wrong.

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