Ranji Trophy 2024: Hanuma Vihari Resigns As Captain Of Andhra, Ricky Bhui Appointed New Captain

Indian cricket team batsman Hanuma Vihari has stepped down from the captaincy position of the Andhra Ranji team. Vihari took the step just one day ahead of the clash against powerful Mumbai at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground. Ricky Bhui has been appointed as the captain of Andhra after the resignation of Vihari.

Ricky Bhui spoke to the media after the practice session of Mumbai and Andhra and stated that Hanuma Vihari has stepped down from the position due to some personal reasons. Bhui further added that Vihari wanted to concentrate on his batting due to which he resigned from his position.

Ricky Bhui explains the reason behind Hanuma Vihari’s resignation as Andhra captain

Ricky Bhui said (as quoted by Sportstar), “He has some personal reasons, so he has stepped down from captaincy. He wants to concentrate on his batting, so that’s the reason. I have been with the same bunch for 10 years and have captained the team previously, even in other formats as well, so not a big deal. The important thing is we have got the momentum after beating Bengal – getting the first innings lead – and the key is to build it from here. Doesn’t matter who the captain is.”

Hanuma Vihari has not been part of Indian cricket and played his last Test match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham in 2022. Vihari was not able to score runs from the bat for a long time and due to the rising competition in the Indian team, he was excluded from the team.

Hanuma Vihari has represented India in a total of 16 Test matches and has scored 839 runs at an average of 33.56. He has scored one hundred followed by five half-centuries. Vihari’s highest score has been 111 runs against West Indies in Kingston.

Hanuma Vihari started the recent edition of the Ranji Trophy with a 51-run knock against Bengal. The match ended in a draw after a brilliant batting performance by Ricky Bhui, who played an innings of 175 runs.

Hanuma Vihari was one of the top batsmen in the Indian Test side and was one of the main pillars of the team a couple of years back. Vihari played an important role in helping India draw the Sydney Test against Australia in December 2020.

Hanuma Vihari played an unbeaten innings of 23 runs and played all throughout Day 5 with the other Indian batsmen and was able to help India draw the match.

As per a report by Sportstar, Hanuma Vihari had informed the selectors on Wednesday that he will step down from the captaincy position of the team. After informing the selectors, the team was informed about the decision during the net session on Thursday.

However, despite resigning from the captaincy position, Hanuma Vihari looked happy during the net session. Vihari was reported to be on the verge of leaving the Andhra team and once he was retained by the state cricket board he was expected to lead the team after they qualified for the quarterfinals last year.

Hanuma Vihari also is remembered for his one-handed innings during the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 quarterfinal, which won the hearts of many cricketing legends.