IND vs SA: I Would Pick Hanuma Vihari Ahead Of Shreyas Iyer: Sanjay Bangar
Published - 13 Dec 2021, 04:36 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:02 AM
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that he would opt for Hanuma Vihari ahead of Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming South Africa Test series.
Iyer had an incredible start to his Test career as he scored 105 & 65 on his debut against New Zealand in Kanpur.
Hanuma Vihari made 227 against South Africa A in three games
Hyderabad batter Hanuma Vihari was not included in the Indian squad for the New Zealand Test series and instead was sent to South Africa to play for India A team.
Vihari scored 227 from five innings at an average of 75.67 against the South Africa A team in the three unofficial Tests.
Hanuma Vihari is somebody who has played the hard yards: Sanjay Bangar
Bangar, who served the Indian team as their batting coach between 2014-19, picked Vihari as his ideal choice due to the player’s experience playing in overseas conditions.
“If the choice has to be between Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari, I would tilt towards Hanuma Vihari because of the kind of service he has done. He deserves that chance to bat ahead of Shreyas Iyer in an overseas Test match,” Bangar said on Star Sports.
“I think Shreyas at the moment is high on confidence. If the thinking of the team management is that young careers have to begin in Indian conditions, so there is a confidence for Shreyas Iyer,” he added.
“Look at Hanuma Vihari. He is somebody who has played the hard yards, who has got a hundred in the West Indies, he saved a Test match for you in Sydney. Whenever he was asked to open the innings, he did that. He played on a single leg to save a Test match and he got a hundred,” Bangar added.
India will play against the Proteas in three Tests and as many ODI matches with the tour starting on December 26.
India beat New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test at Wankhede to win the series 1-0 despite New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel claiming 10-for in the first innings.
Also Read: IND vs SA 2021: Indian Team To Undergo Three Day Quarantine Before Flying To South Africa
