Hanuma Vihari Is Going To Play A Huge Role In The Test Series, Feels Aakash Chopra

Former India opener, Aakash Chopra feels that Hanuma Vihari could be a major factor in deciding which way the Test series will swing. After losing the ODI series by a 2-1 scoreline, India bounced back strongly to win the T20I series by the same margin. Finally, we move into the main course of the tour; the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which commences on 17th December in Adelaide with a day-night contest.

The second warm-up match between India and Australia A ended in a draw. Both the teams were dismissed in their first innings on day 1. On the back of centuries from Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant, India scored 386/4, and Australia A batted out the third day.

If early wickets fall, you look towards Hanuma Vihari: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra believes that the century by Vihari will provide him with a great deal of confidence as he got out cheaply in the previous three practice match innings. Chopra said that it was a gritty and mature knock from the right-hander. Also, the 27-year-old gives a part-time off-spin option.

In his YouTube video, Aakash Chopra said, “Hanuma Vihari made a century. The manner in which he played was very good. He did get a little slow towards the end but that’s absolutely fine because it was the second new ball which you need to respect.”

The 43-year-old reckons that it was a vital innings for Vihari and the Indian team because of the visitors’ lose early wickets against the Australia pacers, then Vihari will be the man everyone will look for some stability.

In the first practice match, Ajinkya Rahane notched a hundred- so these are positive signs for India going into a tough series where they will be without their regular captain, Virat Kohli, who will return home to attend the birth of his first child.

“It was necessary for him to score runs because it is possible that both the teams could lose the early wickets with the new ball, considering the opposition attacks.

“He is going to play a huge role in the context of the series. It is possible that you are 70/4, so in this situation who will save you, you will look towards Hanuma Vihari. So him getting the hundred was necessary,” Aakash Chopra added.

Also Read: ‘He’s In A Terrible Run Of Form’- Allan Border Against Joe Burns’ Inclusion In The Australian Squad For The First Test Against India