What's new

Hanuma Vihari: The Next Wall of India. Hats off for this talent

Suleiman

Suleiman

Senior T20I Player
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Runs
17,067
Post of the Week
2
Injured hamstring
Being attacked by a flurry of dangerous bouncers from Hazlewood, Cummins and Starch, but weathered the storm amicably.

People doubted this lad but real ones know of his heroics in Ranji. Iirc he sports a very good average.

Could me a mainstay for India, a perfect anchor for dashers like Rohit, Pant and Kohli

Very heroic innings despite injury, one of the most brave ones I’ve seen from Asia and India especially in the last 10 years.

How do you rate him after today?
 
Its a pleasure to watch the Indian batsman delivering under such immense pressure and scrutiny.

Rahane did it in Melbourne as a batsman and leader.

Pujara did it in this test after being criticized for playing the way he has always done.

Pant played one of the bravest counter-attacks I have seen on a Day5 wicket.

And now, Vihari under such pressure while surviving a hamstring injury delivered a blockathon of highest quality.

Good time for Indian cricket fans.
 
Great effort in the context too the game. But I don’t know whether to rate him at this point. These innings aren’t what you rate batsmen on.

But great day for him personally and happy for him.
 
Problem is that we already have Pujara for that. Can't have both.

On a lighter note, Indian team beat Pakistani team on the degree of tuk tuk.
 
I think India has taken the unpredictable tag from Pakistan.

36 all out
Then winning second test
Then conceding 400+ only to come back and look to win, but due to bad luck in injuries settled for a draw.

These are the type of batsmen we need in tests amidst the IPL and t20 hype.
 
For me, this has to be in the top 3 test innings ever. And I have watched cricket for the last 30 yrs.
 
Great innings but he is injured now and i dont think he will play the next match
Actually i think this could be his last innings. Keeping in mind that Kohli will return in the england series.
At gabba we will need batsman who can score runs and Prithvi shaw will be the right candidate
 
Limited batsman on a whole but gutsy as hell. Dont feel he belongs at that batting position though. Possible replacement for Pujara when he hangs his boots
 
He was lucky to survive to be honest. But a superb innings
Surviving against the best bowlers in the world is no joke.

Cummins bowled some unplayable rippers the first few overs after tea.

Having said that, this pitch was completely dead on day 5
 
I raise my hand and admit to being guilty of questioning Vihari's place in the test team amongst dynamic and aggressive batsmen but how he's proved me and the cynics wrong.

Hats off for a legendary effort.

Well done brother.
 
Unless he scores couple of centuries in the next 10 tests , his place will again come under scrutiny. Regardless of whatever happens in his career, this will probably be his highlight knock. Robbed Aussies of a sure shot win.
 
Silenced me today for doubting him. It was incredible how he carried on inspite of the injury. Great character this guy has.
 
Just here to pay my respects and apologies to the great man
:bow:
This could and should be his final innings. Goes away in glory.

I see an endless chain of TV interviews on Telugu channels and maybe even a cameo in a movie. Definitely ads.

But he really doesn't fit into an Indian side that already has Pujara. It was a fantastic defensive innings, but these kind of requirements are too rare in test cricket to keep playing him.
 
Yeah I don't see much of a future for him either, unless he plays the next Test and shows he can operate a a much faster pace. Block and block isn't going to cut it, given what this Indian management wants to accomplish.
 
But yes, kudos to the man, a fine, fine innings, and contextually one of the most remarkable I've seen from an Indian bat.
 
Won't be surprised if the Aussie media describe Vihari with same words someone used to describe Bill Lawry - The corpse with pads on.
 
Good innings, and superb grit from India to draw the game.

I hope India wins this series, because not only is it a win for India, it's an eye-opener for the subcontinental teams that with the right mindset, despite missing your biggest players, you can still compete in Australia.
 
Ab Fan said:
Its a pleasure to watch the Indian batsman delivering under such immense pressure and scrutiny.

Rahane did it in Melbourne as a batsman and leader.

Pujara did it in this test after being criticized for playing the way he has always done.

Pant played one of the bravest counter-attacks I have seen on a Day5 wicket.

And now, Vihari under such pressure while surviving a hamstring injury delivered a blockathon of highest quality.

Good time for Indian cricket fans.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. I doubted Vihari too, tastiest humble pies I am eating right now. Thank you Vihari Ji for your tremendous effort today.
 
His batting stance, stroke play and technique looks similar to Robin Uthappa. Well a non aggressive version of RU
 
Slog said:
Great effort in the context too the game. But I don’t know whether to rate him at this point. These innings aren’t what you rate batsmen on.

But great day for him personally and happy for him.
Click to expand...

Tell me one thing honestly man, if it were say Rizwan or Azhar Ali did it wouldn't you be rating then based on their effort? We can agree to disagree but test cricket is not just about scoring runs, it is also about knowing when to stop scoring against all your instincts and survive defying all odds. It takes tremendous stamina, technique and will power to do what he did against one of the best attacks in the world. I rate it as his best test innings so far.
 
Vihari's injury meant he got to face Lyon while Ash was exposed to Aussie pacers.

But with time, the strike changed and Vihari played the tough pacers while Ash had to block out just Lyon for most part.

As good as Lyon was, the real threat was from their pacers who were you had to not only survive but protect yourself from getting injured.

And Vihari looked solid as hell.

I wasn't worried about him getting out. It was the other end I was more worried about.

What a performance.

Thank God team didn't drop him like fans wanted them to.

Now time to back him and see what he can do.

I think the strokes will come out eventually.
 
Last edited:
Hyperion66 said:
Tell me one thing honestly man, if it were say Rizwan or Azhar Ali did it wouldn't you be rating then based on their effort? We can agree to disagree but test cricket is not just about scoring runs, it is also about knowing when to stop scoring against all your instincts and survive defying all odds. It takes tremendous stamina, technique and will power to do what he did against one of the best attacks in the world. I rate it as his best test innings so far.
Click to expand...

He is talking about rating him as a player overall and not this innings which is brilliant no doubt.
 
sensible-indian-fan said:
He is talking about rating him as a player overall and not this innings which is brilliant no doubt.
Click to expand...

I am talking about the same as well, this innings showed why Kohli rates him so highly after all. Innings' are not stand-alone things, yes one should not rate or berate based on one innings but heroic stands like this definitely has a profound impact on how you rate the player overall.
 
Hyperion66 said:
I am talking about the same as well, this innings showed why Kohli rates him so highly after all. Innings' are not stand-alone things, yes one should not rate or berate based on one innings but heroic stands like this definitely has a profound impact on how you rate the player overall.
Click to expand...

I think he can be a solid no.3 for us once Pujara and Rahane goes. Its funny but I feel we do have backups ready for pretty much all batting positions now. Its just that you will have to give them some experience and time before they showcase their ability.
 
Never understood why our kaptaan rated him high till today. It's not easy to just shut shop and keep blocking every ball with a hamstring pull!
 
Ab Fan said:
I think he can be a solid no.3 for us once Pujara and Rahane goes. Its funny but I feel we do have backups ready for pretty much all batting positions now. Its just that you will have to give them some experience and time before they showcase their ability.
Click to expand...

Who will replace Kohli in ODI's and tests ?
 
Hyperion66 said:
I am talking about the same as well, this innings showed why Kohli rates him so highly after all. Innings' are not stand-alone things, yes one should not rate or berate based on one innings but heroic stands like this definitely has a profound impact on how you rate the player overall.
Click to expand...

It does but it's not be all and end all.

Case in point, Karun Nair.

Not that Vihari will go the same route.
 
Hyperion66 said:
Tell me one thing honestly man, if it were say Rizwan or Azhar Ali did it wouldn't you be rating then based on their effort? We can agree to disagree but test cricket is not just about scoring runs, it is also about knowing when to stop scoring against all your instincts and survive defying all odds. It takes tremendous stamina, technique and will power to do what he did against one of the best attacks in the world. I rate it as his best test innings so far.
Click to expand...

Probably would have said same thing even if it was a Pakistani. In fact you can go few weeks back and check my comments on Faheem.

Obviously this is an insane effort. And he may become a great batsman for India but this innings didn’t show if he had full reportoire. He mai have but I just haven’t seen.
 
Don't think he is going to play another game for us anytime soon as we don't play him in home tests and surely, he won't be played in the return test series happening in England later this year.
 
sensible-indian-fan said:
It does but it's not be all and end all.

Case in point, Karun Nair.

Not that Vihari will go the same route.
Click to expand...

Going forward, Indian team will be:-

Rohit
Gill
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Pant( backup- keeper)
Jadeja( backup- Pandya)

Openers backup- Mayank, Shaw
Middle order backup- Vihari, KL

So, Vihari will have to sit unless someone in MO is injured.
 
Slog said:
Probably would have said same thing even if it was a Pakistani. In fact you can go few weeks back and check my comments on Faheem.

Obviously this is an insane effort. And he may become a great batsman for India but this innings didn’t show if he had full reportoire. He mai have but I just haven’t seen.
Click to expand...

Fair enough
 
Ab Fan said:
Going forward, Indian team will be:-

Rohit
Gill
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Pant( backup- keeper)
Jadeja( backup- Pandya)

Openers backup- Mayank, Shaw
Middle order backup- Vihari, KL

So, Vihari will have to sit unless someone in MO is injured.
Click to expand...

Why can't we look ahead and play Vihari ahead of Rahane in India.It'll give him experience ahead of tours

Can't expect the guy to just play overseas
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
Great innings but he is injured now and i dont think he will play the next match
Actually i think this could be his last innings. Keeping in mind that Kohli will return in the england series.
At gabba we will need batsman who can score runs and Prithvi shaw will be the right candidate
Click to expand...

Why not Mayank? And he's far better fielder than Shaw too..
 
Saurav said:
Why can't we look ahead and play Vihari ahead of Rahane in India.It'll give him experience ahead of tours

Can't expect the guy to just play overseas
Click to expand...

You know they won't drop him after the results he has got in his captaincy in this series. I also feel that KL's test career is mostly over. He is not even among the first backup option for any slot at this point.
 
Ab Fan said:
You know they won't drop him after the results he has got in his captaincy in this series. I also feel that KL's test career is mostly over. He is not even among the first backup option for any slot at this point.
Click to expand...

May don't drop him in important games but play in dead rubbers
 
Brave brave effort. Years later, some stats folks here will see he averaged like 10 in Australia but people who actually watch the game would understand how his 23 was among the bravest test knocks ever which likely saved his career.
 
Warwickshire County Cricket Club have signed India Test batsman Hanuma Vihari for the early rounds of the LV= Insurance County Championship.

Acting as cover for Pieter Malan, 27-year-old Vihari made his Test debut against England in 2018 and he has played 12 Tests to date, including three matches in the recent series victory away to Australia and a career best score of 111 versus West Indies in 2019.

In the First Class game, Vihari has made 7,094 runs in 90 games, boasting an impressive average of 56.75, whilst his off spin has also contributed 27 wickets.

“Hanuma will arrive in the UK this afternoon,” said Warwickshire’s Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace, “We hope that this gives time for him to do his six days quarantine and to feature in next week’s game versus Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, subject to receiving negative COVID tests.

“He’s a high-quality batsman, and an effective off spinner, who has been part of two India Test series victories in Australia. But he also comes to Warwickshire with an outstanding record in the First Class game and our young batsman are going to learn a huge amount from playing and training with someone of Hanuma’s calibre.

“We’re also very grateful to Hanuma for stepping in at such short notice to cover Pieter Malan whilst we await confirmation of visa and his safe entry to the UK from South Africa.”

Vihari said: “I’m looking forward to this opportunity and to play for a big club like Warwickshire is really exciting.”
 
227 runs @ 75.66 for India A against South Africa A
Luck is not at his side, otherwise, he has a place in the Indian team. Unlucky to be dropped, especially after his innings in the 3rd test against Australia.
 
Not picked for the 1st Test vs SA - wise move by India?
 
Marathonrunner said:
Shardul had done well in Australia plus he might be handy in SA conditions where the ball moves a bit . He does generate some pace . So would have got an edge over Vihari.
Click to expand...

it was Vihari vs Rahane. Thakur's place is booked as 4th seamer
 
On March 29, Hanuma Vihari was tweeting about the infamous Dhaka traffic when most of his India team mates were ringing in their power game in the IPL. To miss out on IPL action can be discouraging if you are a contracted India player. But Vihari knew he had to find ways to stay in shape, stay in form for his next assignment - the fifth Test at Edgbaston of the England series that India leads 2-1.

‘So I went to Dhaka and played 50 overs cricket after a while. After that I went to Chennai and played five two-day games. I have tried to play as many games as possible to stay match fit,” he said in an interview.

Vihari was speaking at the launch of ‘Bandon main tha dum’ a docu-series on India’s 2020-21 heroic Test series win in Australia to come on Voot Select. One would have thought Vihari would get a decent run of Test matches after his battling 128-run stonewalling effort in the Sydney Test in the final innings, where he batted with a strapped right hamstring. But he’s featured in only 3 of the 17 Tests India has played since. “I don’t think of the past and the future,” he said. “I only think about that Test match that I play. I try to keep it as simple as possible. Try my best to succeed. If I can’t, I go back and try to do it again in the next opportunity.”

An opportunity to cement his Test spot came in last year’s home series against New Zealand where Vihari batted at the coveted No.3 position, with Cheteshwar Pujara dropped for form. “It was a great opportunity. To bat at No.3 for India is a privilege and I enjoyed the two matches that I played in,” he said.

But things don’t get any easier. With Pujara back in the squad for Edgbaston, Vihari’s 124 runs in three innings, including a 50 at No.3 may not be enough. “I am quite comfortable to bat in whichever position the team wants me to bat in. I have been coming up and down the order. At the end of the day, you just have to adapt. For me, it's only the situation of the game that changes,” he said.

That the England series will be completed after 10 months under two new captains (Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes), Vihari says ‘it feels like a sequel.’

“You have played one year ago and now you are playing the final Test. It’s come to a climax now. It’s an important landmark for us to win a Test series in England. After winning in Australia, to win in England will be the icing on the cake. Everyone is aware of it and gearing up to try and win the Test and the series.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ready-for-england-series-101654107770900.html
 
Hanuma Vihari has been part of the Indian Test cricket set-up since 2018. However, since making his debut against England that year, the 28-year-old Vihari has played only 15 Tests in the last three-and-half years, scoring 808 runs at an average of 35.13. He has scored one century and five half-centuries. Despite showing the ability to play solid defensive knocks in the middle-order, Vihari has never been able to consolidate his place in the playing XI. Injuries and presence of other senior players in middle-order, have often seen Vihari sitting out.

Vihari is now part of India's 17-member Test squad for the fifth rescheduled Test against England to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 1-5. India currently lead the Test series 2-1.

It's a massive opportunity for him, and former Indian cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin feels he needs to grab it with both hands.

"It's very important for him to get the big scores," Azharuddin was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

"He has to score hundreds to grab the chance. Scoring only 50s and 60s is not really going to help him. He is an outstanding player. But you can play for India for a long time only when you get the big runs consistently," the ex-India captain told reporters in Dubai on Thursday.

After the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the top Indian cricketers are gearing up for back-to-back bilateral series. The Indian cricket team will first face South Africa at home in a five-match T20I series starting on June 9, followed by the Tour of England. After the Test, India and England will also play a T20I and an ODI series. So far, the squads for the SA T20I series and the Test against England have been announced.

India's Test squad vs England: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain) Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohd Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

India's T20I squad for SA series: KL Rahul (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain)(wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

NDTV
 
MenInG said:
Hanuma Vihari has been part of the Indian Test cricket set-up since 2018. However, since making his debut against England that year, the 28-year-old Vihari has played only 15 Tests in the last three-and-half years, scoring 808 runs at an average of 35.13. He has scored one century and five half-centuries. Despite showing the ability to play solid defensive knocks in the middle-order, Vihari has never been able to consolidate his place in the playing XI. Injuries and presence of other senior players in middle-order, have often seen Vihari sitting out.

Vihari is now part of India's 17-member Test squad for the fifth rescheduled Test against England to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 1-5. India currently lead the Test series 2-1.

It's a massive opportunity for him, and former Indian cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin feels he needs to grab it with both hands.

"It's very important for him to get the big scores," Azharuddin was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

"He has to score hundreds to grab the chance. Scoring only 50s and 60s is not really going to help him. He is an outstanding player. But you can play for India for a long time only when you get the big runs consistently," the ex-India captain told reporters in Dubai on Thursday.

After the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the top Indian cricketers are gearing up for back-to-back bilateral series. The Indian cricket team will first face South Africa at home in a five-match T20I series starting on June 9, followed by the Tour of England. After the Test, India and England will also play a T20I and an ODI series. So far, the squads for the SA T20I series and the Test against England have been announced.

India's Test squad vs England: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain) Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohd Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

India's T20I squad for SA series: KL Rahul (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain)(wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

NDTV
Click to expand...

He is 28 and hasn't got a steady run in the team. Selections have been pathetic. He should have replaced Rahane 2 years back.
 
pillionrider said:
Just here to pay my respects and apologies to the great man
:bow:
This could and should be his final innings. Goes away in glory.

I see an endless chain of TV interviews on Telugu channels and maybe even a cameo in a movie. Definitely ads.

But he really doesn't fit into an Indian side that already has Pujara. It was a fantastic defensive innings, but these kind of requirements are too rare in test cricket to keep playing him.
Click to expand...

International sport is ruthless and without mercy. There shouldn't be a sympathy quota for a guy who looks the saddest.

He helped us draw a test in Australia, but the selectors should never have picked him again.

That he dropped Bairstow early today is just another reason to bump this thread :)
 
We have so many other options in Rahul (unavailable now), Mayank or even Shaw given a run in the middle-order to be still playing the likes of Vihari and Shreyas.
 
If this guy is the wall, then the cement that is being used is dodgy.

Not a shadow of the player Rahul Dravid was.
 
Overrated.

Don't think India need another Pujara.

I think they're better off backing Iyer in the middle-order. He has far greater potential than Vihari.
 
Looks like Vihari is a specialist in batting when injured. After the heroics in Australia, he's back, batting one-handed and left-handed because he fractured his left forearm during the game. This was the Ranji trophy QF.

He actually scored two boundaries batting like this :srt

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do it for the team. Do it for the bunch.<br>Never give up!!<br>Thank you everyone for your wishes. Means a lot!! <a href="https://t.co/sFPbHxKpnZ">pic.twitter.com/sFPbHxKpnZ</a></p>— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari/status/1620782137476800512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Vihari may be courageous and all but hopefully we've seen last of him in Indian test team.
 
He is no Laxman i can tell you that. He can stonewall alright. Was part of the world cup winning under-19 team. But lot of gapping holes in his batting technique never evolved since the under-19. One of the weakest under-19 team ever by India. He did better than his under-19 colleagues like Unmukt chand, Baba Aparajith careerwise. But didn't go anywhere.
 
For a very defensive batsman, he is very loose. That is poor. Attacking batsmen can be loose coz of the way they play.
 
He is a good defensive batsman but ultimately has to produce the output via runs for a place in Indian team. It is true that he only got chances overseas at start of his career just like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul but he failed to really show anything vs top teams like Pant did or KL did albeit inconsistently.
 
Gutsy man. Batted both innings with fractured hand.

:sa

On other hand, Avesh is dragging MP to semis. Kartikeya and Patidar are his only other quality teammates.
 
Hanuma Vihari accuses Andhra teammate of dirty politics; youngster hits back in major scandal

There's trouble brewing in Andhra Pradesh cricket. The side's spirited performance in the quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment on Monday, as it suffered a heart-wrenching four-run defeat to Madhya Pradesh in Indore. Despite chasing a modest 169-run target, Andhra's batting order collapsed, and they fell agonizingly short of victory despite senior batter Hanuma Vihari's valiant half-century knock of 55. The worst, however, was yet to come for the side, and by extension, the state cricket board, too.

Following the defeat, a storm erupted within the Andhra Pradesh cricketing circles when Vihari, who had captained the side in the side's opening match of the season, made a startling revelation. In a controversial statement posted on Instagram, Vihari disclosed the circumstances surrounding his departure from the captaincy role; in the statement, he also confirmed that he won't be representing Andhra Pradesh anymore.

Vihari revealed that he was asked to resign from the captaincy position after the first game, following an altercation with a player who happened to be the son of a prominent politician. The episode, in his words, led to Vihari's ousting from the leadership role.

Here's the full statement from Vihari:

"We fought hard till the end but it wasn't meant to be. Gutted to lose an another quarters with Andhra."

"This post is about some facts I want to put forward. I was the captain in the first game against Bengal, during that game I shouted on 17th player and he complained to his dad(who is a politician), his dad in return asked the Association to take action against me. Although, we chased 410 against last year's finalists Bengal I was asked to resign from captaincy without any fault of mine. I never said anything on a personal note to the player but the association thought that player was more important than the guy who gave his body on the line last year and batted left handed, took Andhra to knock outs 5 times in the last 7 years and played for India in 16 tests."

"I felt embarrassed but the only reason I continued playing this season because I respect the game and my team.

"Sad part is association thinks that players have to listen to whatever they say and players are there because of them. I felt humiliated and embarrassed but I've not expressed it out until today.

"I've decided that I'll never play for Andhra where i lost my self respect.

"I love the team.

“I love the way we're growing every season but association doesn't want us to grow.”

Hindustan Times
 
Last edited:
Basically the guy said to vihari , u can't do anything other than this. This guy is playing under 23 from past 4 years even though he is 27 as per other twitter verified accounts
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20240227_091543_X.jpg
    Screenshot_20240227_091543_X.jpg
    535.5 KB · Views: 10
Vikram1989 said:
Basically the guy said to vihari , u can't do anything other than this. This guy is playing under 23 from past 4 years even though he is 27 as per other twitter verified accounts
Click to expand...
Feel sorry for Hanuma Vihari. Hope he gets the support from his team mates as he fights a different battle here.
 
I Didn't realise that this level of political interference and nepotism took place in Indian cricket to the same level as Pakistan cricket at domestic level.

Vihari will be appealing to Jay Shah to take action who will of course take a tough stand against someone who has used their fathers influence and patronage for personal gain.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Hanuma Vihari accuses Andhra teammate of dirty politics; youngster hits back in major scandal

There's trouble brewing in Andhra Pradesh cricket. The side's spirited performance in the quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment on Monday, as it suffered a heart-wrenching four-run defeat to Madhya Pradesh in Indore. Despite chasing a modest 169-run target, Andhra's batting order collapsed, and they fell agonizingly short of victory despite senior batter Hanuma Vihari's valiant half-century knock of 55. The worst, however, was yet to come for the side, and by extension, the state cricket board, too.

Following the defeat, a storm erupted within the Andhra Pradesh cricketing circles when Vihari, who had captained the side in the side's opening match of the season, made a startling revelation. In a controversial statement posted on Instagram, Vihari disclosed the circumstances surrounding his departure from the captaincy role; in the statement, he also confirmed that he won't be representing Andhra Pradesh anymore.

Vihari revealed that he was asked to resign from the captaincy position after the first game, following an altercation with a player who happened to be the son of a prominent politician. The episode, in his words, led to Vihari's ousting from the leadership role.

Here's the full statement from Vihari:

"We fought hard till the end but it wasn't meant to be. Gutted to lose an another quarters with Andhra."

"This post is about some facts I want to put forward. I was the captain in the first game against Bengal, during that game I shouted on 17th player and he complained to his dad(who is a politician), his dad in return asked the Association to take action against me. Although, we chased 410 against last year's finalists Bengal I was asked to resign from captaincy without any fault of mine. I never said anything on a personal note to the player but the association thought that player was more important than the guy who gave his body on the line last year and batted left handed, took Andhra to knock outs 5 times in the last 7 years and played for India in 16 tests."

"I felt embarrassed but the only reason I continued playing this season because I respect the game and my team.

"Sad part is association thinks that players have to listen to whatever they say and players are there because of them. I felt humiliated and embarrassed but I've not expressed it out until today.

"I've decided that I'll never play for Andhra where i lost my self respect.

"I love the team.

“I love the way we're growing every season but association doesn't want us to grow.”

Hindustan Times
Click to expand...
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has offered clarification into the sacking of Hanuma Vihari as the captain of the team and said the decision was made by an independent selection committee and not them.

In the statement released on February 28, ACA said that they had received several complaints about Vihari's misconduct from the Andhra Team Managers' Association.

The ACA also said that the batter had misbehaved with the players during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and had used inappropriate language as well.

India Today
 

Hanuma Vihari served show-cause notice by the Andhra Cricket Association​


The Andhra Cricket Association has served a show-cause notice to Hanuma Vihari a month after the India batter accused the governing body of unceremoniously removing him from captaincy and vowed not to play for the state again.

However, Vihari is yet to respond to the notice that was served after the ACA Apex Council meeting a few days ago.

“Yes, we have served him a show-cause notice, and we are awaiting his reply,” an ACA official said.

However, the official said the association did not want to prolong the issue.

“This is just to find what made him react the way he did last month. He has not reached out to us, so this is a chance for him to come out with his grievances.

“After all, we value Vihari and his contributions to the growth of state cricket, as he has played a big part in Andhra going up in the ranks in domestic cricket,” he added.

The train of unsavoury incidents began soon after Andhra lost to Madhya Pradesh in this year’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.

The 30-year-old right-handed batter took to social media to accuse the ACA of stripping him of captaincy right after Andhra’s first match of the season against Bengal.

However, at that time Vihari attributed the decision to “personal reasons.” But in his Instagram post, Vihari said the ACA acted under pressure from a local politician after his son, a 17th player during that match, complained that the middle-order batter shouted swear words at him.

“I have decided that I will never play for Andhra where I lost my self-respect,” Vihari wrote in his emotional outburst.

Later, Vihari, who played 16 Tests for India, also posted a letter of support from his fellow Andhra players on his Twitter account.

However, KN Prudhuvi Raj, the 17th player during the match against Bengal, also took to social media and lambasted Vihari for making false accusations against him.

“Personal attacks and vulgar language are not acceptable in any kind of human platform. Everyone in the team knows what happened that day,” wrote Raj on his Instagram handle.

sportstar.thehindu.com

Hanuma Vihari served show-cause notice by the Andhra Cricket Association

The train of unsavoury incidents began soon after Andhra lost to Madhya Pradesh in this year’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.
sportstar.thehindu.com sportstar.thehindu.com
 
It was an emotional act of Hanuma Vihari. Such things are not brought up on social media, they are dealt with diplomatically.
 

Hanuma Vihari asks for NOC from Andhra Cricket Association​


A day after Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) issued a show-cause notice to him, Hanuma Vihari, on Friday, sought a No Objection Certificate from the board.

Sportstar has learnt that the former India star, who led Andhra for one game in the Ranji Trophy last season, wrote to the ACA that he had already put out the facts regarding his unceremonious removal as captain of Andhra. A No Objection Certificate is required by a player looking to switch associations.

The request was in response to the ACA letter sent to him.

“You made certain statements against the Association and it’s officer-bearers on several social media and public platforms which is not at all expected from one of the senior-most players,” the ACA Secretary said in the letter, a copy of which is available with Sportstar.

“If you have had any concerns the same could have been brought to the notice of the Association like in the past which could have ensured an amicable solution rather than creating an unwarranted situation,” the letter added.

“In the meeting of the Apex Council of ACA on March 12, 2024, the topic had come up for discussion for further course of action and it was resolved to call for an explanation from you for your actions before arriving any any decision. You may submit an explanation with reasons for your actions,” the the letter said.

Vihari had requested for a move away from Andhra ahead of the 2023/24 season as well, with multiple reports claiming that the former India player wanted to join Madhya Pradesh.

sportstar.thehindu.com

Hanuma Vihari asks for NOC from Andhra Cricket Association

The request comes a day after Vihari was served a show-cause notice for his public statement against the association over his removal as captain
sportstar.thehindu.com sportstar.thehindu.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top