ENG vs IND 2018: Hanuma Vihari Surprised By Unexpected Maiden India Call-Up
Credits: PTI

Hanuma Vihari has admitted he was not expecting his maiden Test call after India included him in the squad  for the final two games of the England vs India Test series.

Vihari along with Prithvi Shaw were the surprise inclusions in the Test side. The duo made it to the team in place of Murali Vijay and Kuldeep Yadav.

Vihari has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket in the last few years. Among active cricketers, Vihari has the world’s best ‘s first-class average of 59.45. Steven Smith, the next best, is at 57.27 while Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara all average between 53 and 55.

The right-hander pushed for his selection in the Indian team by impressing for India A. After being named in both the 50-overs and four-day squads for India A’s tour of England, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Vihari was the third-highest run-getter in the one-day tri-series (253 runs in three innings with a best of 147 against West Indies A). In his most recent first-class game against South Africa A in Bengaluru, he struck a match-winning 148.

ENG vs IND 2018: Hanuma Vihari Surprised By Unexpected Maiden India Call-Up
Hanuma Vihari (England vs India, Credits: PTI)

Prior to that he had impressed in the Ranji Trophy. He finished the last season with 752 runs in six matches at 94.00, including a career-best 302 not out. He also impressed in the Irani Trophy by top-scoring for Rest of India with a 327-ball 183 against Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha.

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But despite his recent form, it seems Vihari was not expecting a call. In a recent interview, he said that he had his mind set on the upcoming Quadrangular series where he was set to represent India A.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting a call. I was preparing for the quadrangular series when I got a call this evening. I am leaving tomorrow and will be in England on August 24,” he told Hindustan Times.

ENG vs IND 2018: Hanuma Vihari Surprised By Unexpected Maiden India Call-Up
Hanuma Vihari (England vs India, Credits: Getty)

Asked if he had any special plans as he will get to spend time with the likes of Virat Kohli and some other senior players, Vihari said:

“It is a really exciting moment for me. I am looking forward to going and spending time with some of the best players in word cricket. It will be an opportunity of a lifetime as you don’t get to be around such players every day. I want to learn as much as I can staying around them and also wish to learn how to prepare for an international game,” he said.

Along with Vihari, Prithvi Shaw, another player who impressed for India A, has also made it to the squad.

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