Irrespective of Virender Sehwag’s success all over the world, the feisty right-hander has always been criticised for limited footwork apart from reckless hitting. However, legendary South African batsman Graeme Pollock, who also had reasonable success with minimum footwork, reckoned the Nawab of Najafgarh should be left on his own.

“He is the most dangerous player in the world. He is the best batsman in the world. He is incredible for India. I don’t know why he is always criticised. He has worked out a way for him, which is very effective and successful.

“If he tries to change his game, he will be in trouble,” Pollock, who was part of the South African team for the World Cricket Legends exhibition matches, that was played in the wild on Tuesday, said. The event was organised by Beyond Boundaries.

Sehwag known for his energetic image in batting has faced many criticisms.

Pollock felt great footwork does not guarantee success. “It (emphasis on proper footwork) is overrated. The main thing is to get in a good position and take advantage of the bad deliveries… and not worry whether you are getting in the line of the ball. You only have to transfer your weight nicely.

“You don’t need to have a great footwork always to succeed. Viru gets in a great position to play his shots. If you have to play all round the ground, you have to keep a good balance. The whole essence of batting is being in a good position and taking advantage of the bad balls.

“Everybody plays to save your wicket, which is, of course, very important. But you also have to score runs and put the pressure on the bowler. People are not doing that enough. How many bad balls don’t get scored off in a session?

“We need both types of players in the team, one who can get a hundred in a session and the other who can score a ton in three-four hours.

“Why do we need to put the bat on the ground? Why can’t we just stand still like a baseball player and play shots. It saves a few seconds for a batsman. You have to set your own rules that suit you,” he said.

Pollock, 67, was pleased to see unorthodox players coming to the fore. “(Shivnarine) Chanderpaul may be the most awkward-looking left-hander, but keeps getting runs. Coaches need to allow guys like him to do different things,” he said.