Hanuma Vihari is a talented Indian cricketer, known for his classical batting technique and impressive runs in domestic cricket. Born on October 13, 1993, in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Vihari has risen through the ranks to become a respected middle-order batsman for the Indian national team.
Vihari’s journey to international cricket started at a relatively late age of 24. However, his stellar performances in first-class cricket left no doubts about his ability to score big runs. With an average of nearly 60 in first-class cricket, Vihari caught the attention of the selectors, earning his debut for India in 2018.
Although Vihari’s nerves were apparent during his debut against England at The Oval, he quickly settled down and showcased his potential by scoring a half-century in his maiden Test innings. This innings proved his knack for staying at the crease and making an impact, despite the initial pressure.
One of Vihari’s notable contributions came during a Test series against West Indies in 2019. He emerged as the best batsman on both sides, amassing an impressive total of 289 runs in four innings. His consistent performance earned praise from Indian captain Virat Kohli, who stated that the dressing room feels calm when Vihari is batting due to his correct and composed approach.
Vihari’s versatility was demonstrated when he was asked to open the innings against Australia in Melbourne as a makeshift option. Though he didn’t achieve significant scores, his ability to endure challenging situations showcased his determination and adaptability. This relative failure as an opener did not affect Vihari’s position in the team, as he reclaimed his spot in the middle order during India’s subsequent Test tour to the West Indies.
He began his cricketing career with the Hyderabad team in 2010 before moving to Andhra in 2016. Despite consistently performing in domestic cricket, Vihari’s initial call-up to the India A team only occurred in 2017. His rise to prominence coincided with MSK Prasad’s tenure as the chief of selectors, and Prasad recognized Vihari’s talent after observing him closely. Vihari seized the opportunity and delivered commendable performances against South Africa A and New Zealand A, eventually earning his place in the Indian national team.
Vihari’s career trajectory reflects the importance of performing consistently in domestic cricket to attain recognition at the international level. His classical batting technique, ability to stay at the crease, and resilience have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
Outside of cricket, Vihari maintains a low-profile persona, rarely making headlines off the field. He focuses his energy on honing his skills and contributing to the success of the Indian cricket team.
As Hanuma Vihari continues to establish himself as a dependable middle-order batsman, fans and cricket pundits eagerly anticipate witnessing the future milestones he is bound to achieve.
