ENG vs IND 2018: Talking To Rahul Dravid Before Debut Eased My Nerves, Reveals Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari, on Sunday, revealed how inputs from Rahul Dravid eased his nerves before his debut in the fifth England vs India Test at the Oval.

Vihari was a surprise pick for the last Test. While there were absolutely no doubts over his batting ability, very few were expecting him to make his debut so early.

The right-hander earned his call after being 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. The second in the list is Australia’s Steven Smith, averaging 57.27 while Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara all average between 53 and 55.

He also impressed for India A during the tour of England. 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). He later scored a match-winning 148 against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

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

But despite his impressive run-scoring spree, not many were expecting Vihari to be inducted in the playing eleven so quickly. But Vihari was quick to justify the decision by scoring a gritty fifty on his debut to help India recover from 160 for 6 and post 292.

Speaking at the end of day three, Vihari opened up about his experience after being informed about his impending debut.

He also revealed how talking to legendary Rahul Dravid helped him calm down his nerves.

“I got to know the day before the match. Obviously, I was very thrilled. Because that was my dream, growing up playing cricket. I first informed my family about it and they were very very happy as well. I called him (Dravid) the day before I made my debut and told him I was making my debut. He spoke to me for a couple of minutes and gave his inputs and I thought it eased my nerves a little bit because it’s coming from a legend and you know that you belong here. He just told me that you have the skill set, you have the mindset and the temperament, just go out there and enjoy yourself,” he said.

The 24-year old is not getting carried away with his impressive debut as he said he is well aware of the herculean task he faces to cement his place in the team.

“It’s just the start. I know I have to do a lot of things to cement my place in the Indian team, which I definitely want to do. Getting a half-century on debut is just the start,” he promised.

Meanwhile, England finished the day on 114 for 2, leading India by 154 runs.