"Want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari's version" - Aakash Chopra's take on Andhra Cricket Association's dispute

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra recently reacted to the controversy surrounding Hanuma Vihari and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). Aakash Chopra expressed support for Hanuma Vihari, highlighting his remarkable contributions to Andhra cricket.

Hanuma Vihari made a serious allegation following the team’s narrow defeat to Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal match of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season. The batter disclosed that he was asked to step down from the captaincy role due to political interference.

Meanwhile, the Andhra board stated that Vihari had expressed intentions to depart from the state team on several occasions. ACA further mentioned that Vihari voluntarily relinquished his captaincy and alleged that his teammates were forced into signing a letter.

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The Blame Game Is Happening From Both Sides – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted the contrasting statements from Hanuma Vihari and the state association. He pointed out that Vihari batted one-handed for Andhra during a Ranji Trophy match.

“Mud-slinging is happening, the blame game is happening from both sides. From a players’ fraternity, you want to trust the player always. Hanuma Vihari is not just any player. He batted for Andhra with one hand when he had a fracture in his hand,” Chopra said.

“He has had an incredible journey. He has helped Andhra qualify. He has got the team together. I have huge respect for him, whether it was the Sydney match where he played with a torn hamstring and put his career on the line, and then he batted one-handed for Andhra. I would want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari’s version,” he added.

Chopra anticipated the intervention of the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure fair judgment. He backed Vihari’s decision to join any team across the country as a professional.

Following the team’s first match against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, Vihari stepped down as captain, with Ricky Bhui assuming the role. Interestingly, Bhui was among the signatories of a letter advocating for Vihari to remain as the captain of the state team.

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The Whole Team Knows – Hanuma Vihari

“Sir this Ranji season means a lot to us as players and we have prepared so well and also started the tournament with a win against Bengal. As Andhra Ranji team players we want Vihari to lead our side,” the letter shared by the 30-year-old cricketer read.

“The whole team knows!” Vihari wrote on his X handle.

The whole team knows! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l5dFkmjGN9

— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 26, 2024

Also read: “Play this sympathy game…” – Andhra cricketer refutes Hanuma Vihari’s sensational claims