Hanuma Vihari, born on 13th October 1993, is a name synonymous with grit and determination in Indian cricket. This talented middle-order batsman has not only made significant contributions to the Indian national team but has also been a shining star for Andhra in domestic cricket. With his impressive performances, Vihari has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket.
A Stellar Domestic Career:
Vihari’s journey to cricketing stardom began with his participation in the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013, where he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad. During one memorable league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he displayed his versatility by opening the bowling as an off-spinner and dismissed the destructive Chris Gayle for just 1 run. Notably, Vihari also showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 46 in the same match, which Sunrisers won through a thrilling super-over.
In the 2013/14 Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra, Vihari played a pivotal role in Hyderabad’s innings by contributing 75 runs in the first innings. He followed this with an unbeaten 68 runs, underlining his ability to anchor the innings and make a substantial impact.
A defining moment in his domestic career came in October 2017 when Vihari recorded his first triple century, scoring an astounding 302 not out for Andhra against Odisha in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy. He concluded the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season as Andhra’s leading run-scorer, accumulating an impressive 752 runs in six matches.
IPL Stints and Notable Achievements:
Vihari’s consistent performances did not go unnoticed in the IPL, and in December 2018, he was acquired by the Delhi Capitals in the player auction for the 2019 season. He also had previous stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Pune Warriors India, displaying his adaptability across different franchises.
In the 2021 season, his cricketing journey took an exciting turn when he was signed by the Warwickshire County Cricket Club for the County Championship. This overseas experience allowed him to hone his skills further and broaden his cricketing horizons.
Making Waves on the International Stage:
Vihari’s journey in international cricket commenced in August 2018 when he received a call-up to India’s Test squad for the final two Tests against England. His debut came on 7th September 2018 in the fifth Test match of the India tour of England. In his maiden Test innings, Vihari showcased his mettle by scoring a gritty half-century, accumulating 56 runs off 124 balls. His debut was further distinguished by becoming the final bowler to dismiss England’s highest-ever Test run-scorer, Alastair Cook.
December 2018 marked another significant moment as Vihari was included in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the third Test match, he opened the innings for India alongside debutant Mayank Agarwal. His steady contributions contributed to India’s series victory.
In the 2019 Test series against the West Indies, Vihari’s 93-run innings in the second Test’s second innings was hailed as a game-changer. He played a crucial role in setting a challenging target of 419 runs for the Windies, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Vihari’s maiden Test century came in the second Test match against the West Indies. He continued to impress with his consistent performances in international cricket, including his contributions in Test series against South Africa, New Zealand, and the 2020–2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
During the dramatic fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Vihari displayed immense resilience, battling through a hamstring injury to secure a draw for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin. This heroic effort further solidified his reputation as a player who could thrive in challenging conditions.
Conclusion:
Hanuma Vihari’s cricketing journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment, versatility, and ability to rise to the occasion, whether it’s in domestic cricket or on the international stage. As he continues to don the Indian jersey and captain Andhra in the Ranji Trophy, fans eagerly await his future contributions, which are sure to be filled with determination and memorable moments. Hanuma Vihari is indeed a name to watch in the world of cricket.
