‘Dikhawe Ki Life Mat Jiyo’: Virender Sehwag, 48, shares money lessons with his Gen Z sons, from a Rs 7,000 petrol bill to living beyond materialistic comforts

As Virender Sehwag celebrated his 48th birthday on October 20, 2026, his parenting philosophy offered a glimpse into the life lessons he hopes to pass on to his sons. The former India opener believes that success is about more than wealth, luxury and status. For him, staying grounded and building a life through one’s own efforts matter far more than material possessions.His sons, Aryavir and Vedant, are now pursuing their cricketing ambitions, with Aryavir playing Under-19 cricket and Vedant competing at the under-16 level. As they navigate the pressures and privileges that come with growing up in a well-known sporting family, Sehwag wants them to understand the importance of financial responsibility, humility and creating their own identities rather than measuring success by what they own.

The Rs 7,000 petrol bill that taught his son a lesson about money

Sometimes, a financial lesson does not need a lecture. For Sehwag, a simple trip to a petrol pump became an opportunity for his son to understand the difference between spending someone else’s money and paying from one’s own pocket. Speaking with digital creator Neha Bedi, host and founder of The Life Savers Show, Sehwag revealed that both his sons have started playing cricket and are earning money through the game. “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.The amount came as a surprise to his son. Sehwag explained that when he paid for such expenses, his children were comfortable with the arrangement. However, having to pay the bill himself made his son realise how much money a seemingly routine expense could cost. The incident highlighted the importance of financial awareness from a young age. For Sehwag, earning money is only one part of the equation. Understanding its value and learning to spend it responsibly are equally important lessons for children growing up with financial comforts.

‘Dikhawe ki life mat jiyo’: Why Sehwag wants his sons to look beyond luxury

Expensive cars, branded watches and a luxurious lifestyle can be appealing, particularly to young people who grow up surrounded by such comforts. Sehwag acknowledged that his sons, like many children their age, are drawn to material possessions. Explaining their interests, he said, “Bachcha materialistic hote hain. BMW mein jaungi, Range Rover mein jaunga. My son borrows my watches and wears them.” He added that his sons are still young and naturally attracted to material things. However, he believes that their perspective will change as they mature and gain a better understanding of life.According to Sehwag, the problem is not simply wanting expensive things. It is allowing possessions and appearances to become the measure of success. His message to his sons is straightforward: “Dikhawe wali life mat jiyo. Asli life jiyo jisme tum kuch karo or log tumhe bole ki wow isne kuch kia hai.” In other words, he wants them to build a life around meaningful work and achievements rather than trying to impress others with what they own. For the former cricketer, a luxury car or an expensive watch cannot replace the satisfaction of accomplishing something worthwhile. He wants his children to focus on creating their own identity instead of relying on material comforts or their family’s wealth to define them.

Carrying the Sehwag surname comes with expectations and criticism

Growing up as the sons of a celebrated cricketer brings its own challenges. While Aryavir and Vedant have the advantage of learning from their father’s experience, they will also face comparisons with his achievements as they progress in their cricketing careers. Sehwag said he has been preparing them for this reality since childhood. He has explained that people will compare their performances with his, especially when they begin playing first-class and international cricket.“Unko bachpan se sikhata hu, ‘Bete tumko papa ke sath humasha compare kiya jaega. Tumko criticism bhi milega, but tumko criticism se zaya praise milega. Because bahaut log tumhare father ko chahte hain’,” he explained.He wants his sons to understand that public attention can bring both appreciation and criticism. Rather than allowing comparisons to dictate their decisions, they should concentrate on their own performances and follow their individual paths. His advice is particularly relevant for young athletes who grow up in the shadow of famous parents. A recognised surname may open doors, but building a career ultimately requires dedication, resilience and the ability to handle expectations.

The elephant lesson: Stay focused on your own journey

To help his sons deal with outside opinions, Sehwag shared a simple analogy: an elephant remains unfazed by barking dogs. The message is clear. Criticism, comparisons and unwanted opinions are inevitable, but they do not have to determine how a person lives or performs. What matters is staying focused on one’s goals rather than reacting to every comment. Sehwag’s lessons on money and success come down to the same principle. Whether it is paying a Rs 7,000 petrol bill, resisting the attraction of luxury or handling comparisons on the cricket field, he wants his sons to develop independence and confidence.As the former India captain continues to explore television, including hosting Rise and Fall Season 2, his advice to Aryavir and Vedant reflects a personal side of his journey beyond cricket. For Sehwag, raising successful children is not just about helping them become good cricketers. It is about ensuring they understand the value of money, remain grounded despite privilege and create a reputation through their own actions. His birthday message, in essence, is one that extends well beyond his family: live meaningfully, work towards something worthwhile and do not confuse a showy life with a successful one.