Was Definitely Not Hurt But Disappointed: Hanuma Vihari On Exclusion From India Squad For New Zealand Tests Last Year

Indian batter Hanuma Vihari said he wasn’t hurt by his exclusion from India’s squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand last year. 

Vihari was not included for the New Zealand Test series at home in the November-December period as Shreyas Iyer was given the opportunity to make his debut. The Hyderabad player was instead sent to South Africa to play for India A team.

Was not hurt but disappointed: Hanuma Vihari

Vihari scored 227 from five innings at an average of 75.67 against the South Africa A team in the three unofficial Tests. He replaced Kohli in the Indian team for the Johannesburg Test. Vihari remained unbeaten on 40 as he propelled India’s lead to 239 in the second innings with some firing shots.

Vihari said he was disappointed after being excluded from the New Zealand Tests at home but was adamant to score runs consistently. 

“No, definitely not hurt. Obviously, I was disappointed. But again, it is something that is not in my control. Instead, I went to South Africa (with India A), got runs and made it to the team again. So that is all I can do it from my side — keep scoring runs as much as I can,” Vihari told New Indian Express. 

I have been waiting patiently for a chance by performing well for years: Hanuma Vihari

Vihari’s Test career has been a start-stop one since making his debut against West Indies in 2018, the Hyderabad batter has featured in 15 Tests and scored 808 runs at an average of 35.13. 

Vihari has played 101 first-class games for Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh, scoring 7837 runs at 55.58. The 28-year-old said he has always been patient in terms of seeking opportunities. 

“I’d to struggle in domestic cricket for a long time. I’ve been performing consistently in the domestic circuit to make it to the national team. So I know how to be patient in terms of waiting for my opportunities. So that journey itself shows I have been waiting patiently for a chance by performing well for years together. I would say I’ve earned my place in the Indian team,” Vihari said. 

Vihari is part of India’s squad for the fifth rescheduled Test in Birmingham, starting on Friday (July 1). India are leading the five-match series 2-1 and can win their first Test series in England since 2007. 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Hanuma Vihari Says That He Has Earned His Place On The Indian Team