Virender Sehwag’s money lesson to sons: How a Rs 7,000 petrol bill taught Nawab of Najafgarh’s kids the value of money

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag believes that children should understand the value of money before they get carried away by an expensive lifestyle. Sehwag shared the experience while speaking to digital creator Neha Bedi on The Life Savers Show. He explained how his sons, who are pursuing cricket at the Under-19 and Under-16 levels, respectively, are beginning to earn money of their own. But earning money and understanding its value, he suggested, are two different things.

Recalling an incident involving one of his sons, Sehwag said the youngster had to pay Rs 7,000 for petrol. The amount came as a surprise. “My kids have started playing cricket. One plays Under-16, and another plays Under-19. They are earning Rs 2-3 lakh. Once, one of them filled petrol in the car, and the bill came to Rs 7,000,” he said.

According to Sehwag, his son was comfortable with the expense when his father paid the bill. The reaction changed when he had to pay it himself. The experience offered a practical lesson in spending and made the youngster think about the money involved. For Sehwag, such moments are an opportunity for parents to help children develop a more grounded understanding of money, particularly when they grow up surrounded by expensive possessions and a comfortable lifestyle.

Virender Sehwag on why children are attracted to luxury

Sehwag acknowledged that his sons, like many youngsters, are drawn to material possessions. Luxury cars, branded watches and an expensive lifestyle can appear attractive when children see them around them. “Bachcha materialistic hote hain. BMW mein jaungi, Range Rover mein jaunga. My son borrows my watches and wears them. Wo abhi bachcha hai, usko materialistic cheezon ka shauk hai,” he said.

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The former India opener explained that his sons are still at an age when material things hold considerable appeal. He believes their outlook will change as they grow older and gain a better understanding of what matters in life. He also pointed out the difference between owning expensive things and building a meaningful life. According to Sehwag, the pursuit of luxury can become little more than an exercise in showing off if it is not accompanied by a sense of purpose.

“Dikhawe wali life mat jiyo. Asli life jiyo jisme tum kuch karo or log tumhe bole ki wow isne kuch kia hai,” he advised his sons. In other words, Sehwag wants his children to focus on what they achieve rather than what they own. His message is that lasting respect comes from doing something worthwhile, not simply displaying wealth.

Sehwag’s advice to his sons about living up to his name

Money is not the only subject on which Sehwag has tried to prepare his sons for life. He has also spoken to them about the expectations that will follow them because of their surname. Sehwag enjoyed a distinguished international career between 1999 and 2013. Known for his aggressive batting, he became one of India's most celebrated opening batters and received honours including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.


He explained that people will judge their performances against his achievements, especially if they progress to first-class and international cricket. “Bete, tumko papa ke saath hamesha compare kiya jaega. Tumko criticism bhi milega, but tumko criticism se zyada praise milega. Because bahut log tumhare father ko chahte hain,” he said, describing the advice he has given them since childhood.

However, he warned that the comparisons could become more intense as their careers advance. Rather than allowing public opinion to dictate their decisions, he wants his sons to concentrate on their own performances and follow their chosen paths. His advice is straightforward: criticism is part of the journey, and they should not let it distract them from their goals.

‘An elephant remains unfazed by barking dogs’

To explain how his sons should deal with criticism, Sehwag used an analogy that emphasised staying calm in the face of outside noise. He told them that an elephant does not get disturbed by barking dogs. In the same way, he wants Aryavir and Vedant to remain focused on their work instead of reacting to every opinion or comparison.