“I don’t have any expectations”: Hanuma Vihari expresses disappointment over Test team omission

Andhra Pradesh’s veteran prolific batter, Hanuma Vihari, has been showcasing excellent form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Despite his impressive performances, the 30-year-old seems to be excluded from consideration for the senior national Test team at the moment, leading to feelings of disappointment on his part. Hanuma Vihari’s last appearance for India was in July 2022 during the England tour.

In his 16-Test career, Vihari has contributed significantly to the Indian team, amassing 839 runs with 5 fifties and 1 hundred. However, he hasn’t received the same consistent support as some of his peers, and this lack of backing has left him disheartened.

While acknowledging his disappointment, Vihari remains steadfast in his commitment to working hard and reclaiming his spot in the senior national team.

“I feel a bit down that I’m not part of the Test team, but everyone faces highs and lows. Right now, my focus is on scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy. The season has been okay for both me and the team. My goal is to score plenty of runs and make a comeback to the Test team,” Vihari said in a conversation with ESPNCricinfo.

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Vihari has been in stellar form, accumulating 365 runs in seven innings. His notable performances include a fifty against Bengal, another fifty against Andhra, and a remarkable 183 against Chattisgarh.

Throughout his Test career, Hanuma Vihari has been versatile, batting in five different positions, with a significant number of matches at No. 6. Despite being dropped in 2022 due to a dip in form, he remains focused on the present and is determined to make a comeback.

Hanuman Vihari last had a discussion with Rahul Dravid

While Vihari has tempered his expectations, he revealed that he has not had any recent communication with the team management. The last interaction occurred with head coach Rahul Dravid after his last Test match in England in 2022.

“I haven’t heard from anyone lately. However, Rahul Dravid did talk to me after my last Test. He provided feedback on areas where I can improve. But, no, I haven’t been in contact with anyone since that conversation,” he said.

“At this point in my career, I don’t have any specific expectations. I just focus on giving my best whenever I bat, and then I leave the rest to unfold as it may,” he added.

Despite facing challenges securing his spot in the Indian Test side, Hanuma Vihari’s contributions, including his maiden Test century in the West Indies in 2019 and his resilient innings in Sydney during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcase his tenacity and skill.

Vihari and Ashwin dealt body blows but stitched together a gritty partnership to save the Test match down under in 2021. Vihari in particular played one of the slowest Test innings scoring 23 runs off 161 balls as India drew the match with 5 wickets to spare.

The lack of opportunities at the highest level has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts and experts, emphasizing the need for recognition of his talent and potential in the Test arena as middle-order woes continue to haunt Team India.

Related