Sep 24, 2026 10:30am IST
‘Rise And Fall’ Season 2 Host Virrender Sehwag: ‘I Am Too Expensive For Anyone To Rope Me As A Contestant’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Known for his swashbuckling batting and carefree attitude, Virrender Sehwag has been the darling of India’s cricket fanatics for decades. After Sourav Ganguly and Rohit Sharma, he is the third Indian cricketer to take on the role of a reality TV show host in recent times. On social media, his posts on X (formerly Twitter) are known for his trademark wit and humor.
Speaking to Variety India, Sehwag says, “First of all, I need to handle contestants in the game. And yes, I will throw in my one-liners as well. But I do not want to hurt anyone. Hosting is going to be a challenge for me as it’s my debut. And I have to ensure they do a good job.”
Cricketers train hard in the nets to perform well on field. Of late, even reality show contestants are called out for being ‘over-prepared’ for reality TV. Commenting on this, Sehwag says, “Before playing a match, I would also make a strategy. However, when things happen on field your reaction is instinctive. The preparation helps you react better. The contestants have to react at a moment. I might advise them to strategize and guide them on how to rework on their ideas.”
Related Stories
Sehwag makes it clear that contestants need to respect the host and the game. “There is one thing called mutual respect, which is important. I have the right to school them if their behavior is unruly or offensive. I believe that you can be competitive but respectful. Contestants can strategize as much as they want but constant fighting or insulting co-contestants is not acceptable,” he adds.
He reveals he has not seen Ashneer Grover’s hosting on “Rise And Fall” Season 1. Sehwag says his personality is reactive and he will be spontaneous and instantaneous on the show. “That is how I was on the cricket field. However, I do not wish to insult anyone with my words or actions on the show,” he reasserts.
Sehwag shares he has received multiple offers to do reality shows, including captive ones. But he feels he is not cut out for the same. In a jocular manner, he adds, “I am too expensive. The makers managed to hire me as a host with great difficulty (laughs). Honestly, I cannot stay locked up on a show. I got this hosting offer and took it up as I liked the idea.”
Popular on Variety
The former Indian player was also seen in “Pritam Pedro.” He reveals that Rajkumar Hirani has been his friend for years, sharing, “He is deeply interested in the game. He met me in Delhi and discussed his son Vir Hirani’s debut. We filmed my portion in Delhi. Honestly, I do not think I have it in me to become an actor.”
Sehwag reveals he has seen promos of Sourav Ganguly-led “Bigg Boss Bangla” and Rohit Sharma’s “Family Full House with Rohit Sharma.” Sharing his feedback, he says, “I liked both of them. I am yet to watch any episode of Rohit Sharma’s show. I remember being a participant on Sourav Ganguly’s show “Dadagiri Unlimited” along with Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin and V.V.S. Laxman. He is a great host and loves to have his teammates on his shows. I am looking forward to seeing Rohit as a host.”
“Rise And Fall” Season 2 will go on air on Sep. 26 on Amazon MX Player by Prime Video.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.