Hanuma Vihari, the right-handed batter has been missing from the Indian setup for quite some time now. Hanuma Vihari has an unorthodox kind of batting style and at the same time, he wasn’t given a long rope to prove his credentials.
India would be keen on turning around their fortunes in the longest format of the game, as they kickstart a two-match test series against the West Indies in the latest cycle of the World Test Championship. India’s star-studded setup would be the favorites going into the series against an understaffed West Indies, who were recently eliminated from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and would like to redeem their pride.
India has called up a few new faces into the test squad – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad would be eager to make their Test debuts against the West Indies. However, there are a few individuals who are no longer expected to be considered for selection in the time being, despite making substantial contributions. Hanuma Vihari is one of the noteworthy names on this list.
Definitely, there was disappointment- Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari expressed his chagrin on being dropped from the Test team despite delivering on certain occasions and said that he was not intimated by anyone as to why he was dropped.
“I didn’t find a reason why I was dropped and it was the only thing that was bothering me. Nobody really contacted me and told me the reasons why I was dropped,” said Hanuma Vihari.
The Andhra batter has been in and out of the team since making his debut in 2018. He was the top run-getter in the series against the West Indies in 2019, earning praise from all walks. This came before he was unceremoniously dropped from the team after the Test against England in Headingley. Vihari said that he was over his snub and has been working hard to script his comeback into the team.
“It took some time and I have gone through ups and downs and I’m not worried about it now. I don’t take too much stress about whether I’m in the Indian team or not. There are other matches to win and it is about winning the trophies,” he added.
Currently, Vihari is captaining the South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against West Zone, where he scored a half-century.
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