Sehwag backstracks over shots at India skipper

India’s swashbuckling opening batsman Virender Sehwag may want to take the same route as did Jesse Ryder after accusing the media of “twisting” his comments to make it “newsworthy.”

In Auckland, Ryder became an instant hero for cricketers who “hate” the press when he stepped into a ring to settle a score with an outspoken sports radio host. The bad boy of New Zealand cricket forced the referee to step in after a minute and 45 seconds after he staggered Mark Watson. The all-rounder has fallen foul of the New Zealand board and has been at the receiving end for his drunken behaviour that’s led to his exclusion from the national team.

Sehwag, meanwhile, gave the impression that India won the 2011 World Cup because his captain had a strong team.

It was an apparent dig at skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, his comments attracting wide interest since the two had a much-publicized falling out during India’s disastrous tour of Australia recently.

“Dhoni got a very strong team,’’ Sehwag said about Dhoni’s leadership in guiding India to the 2007 Twenty20 and the 2011 World Cup victories. “When you get a strong team, it is easier to perform well, just like Australia did at one point of time. We won the World Cup because we had a very strong team which was ably backed by Dhoni’s leadership.”

Sehwag took to Twitter on Saturday, claiming his comments were misinterpreted.

“Unfortunate when a comment is twisted to make it newsworthy,’’ he said. “Gist of what I said: we had a great team and thus we have won two World Cups under MSD. MSD is a good captain and one of the most successful captains we have had. To imply anything else from my statement was irresponsible.’’

Dhoni and Sehwag will have a chance to bury their differences or carry on feuding during India’s limited overs tour of Sri Lanka that starts July 21.

Sachin Tendulkar decided to skip the tour, but made it clear he has no intention of quitting the shorter version of the game. Tendulkar was in London cheering for his good buddy Roger Federer in Sunday’s Wimbledon men’s final.