A sense of excitement was building up around the Sector 16 stadium as Virender Sehwag lined up for Reliance I in the JP Atray tournament on Sunday — his first match since the IPL semi-final in May — after recovering from a shoulder injury.

However, the comeback turned out to be an anti-climax as Sehwag, who went to open the innings, fell for a first-ball duck. BPCL pacer Swapnil Hazare bowled a fuller length delivery and Sehwag attempted his trademark drive but his feet seemed as tentative as his mind. The uppish drive went to point instead where fielder Bhavin Thakker took the catch comfortably.

Sehwag may not have done anything with the bat but the way he fielded, mostly at slips or the inner circle, did suggest that the rehab was successful and the Indian opener would soon be launching himself back with the Champions League. “I am feeling fully fit. I am raring to go at the bowlers. Whenever given an opportunity, I don’t miss the chance of playing,” he said after the game that his side won by 4 wickets.

Sehwag will get another opportunity on September 25 when his side takes on Punjab Cricket Club.