Hanuma Vihari, the Indian batsman, is eager to stage a comeback in Test cricket, aiming to finish the Ranji Trophy season strongly. His impressive form has been pivotal to Andhra Pradesh’s success in Elite Group B, with the team currently occupying the second position with three wins in five matches. Vihari, aged 30, has been a standout performer, amassing 365 runs in seven innings, trailing only behind skipper Ricky Bhui who has accumulated 550 runs for the team. Maintaining an average of over 50 in domestic cricket, Vihari’s recent performances have been crucial in maintaining his consistency.
Hanuma Vihari said: “I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy. The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team.”
“No one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven’t been in touch with anyone since then.”
Despite facing challenges in securing a spot in India’s playing XI, Vihari is determined to make a mark in domestic cricket and extend his Test career, which comprises 16 appearances so far. His memorable innings in Sydney in 2021, where he scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 deliveries against Australia, proved instrumental in salvaging a draw for India. However, he has been out of action since then, acknowledging that he may not currently be on the selectors’ radar. Nevertheless, Vihari remains focused on excelling in domestic competitions to earn his way back into contention for the national team.
Vihari concluded: “But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don’t do that, there is no purpose left. When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs. I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen.”
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