'No regrets about IPL snub', says Hanuma Vihari
What's the story
Indian middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari recently said IPL snub has not dented his self-belief. During a chat on the show Homerun with AV, the 26-year-old revealed he remained unperturbed after he went unsold in the IPL 2020 auction. Notably, Delhi Capitals had bought Vihari for Rs. 2 crore in the 2019 IPL edition. He also asserted that his focus has always been Test cricket.
Career
Vihari had a decent start to his Test career
Hanuma Vihari earned his Test call-up after making truckload of runs in the domestic circuit. His international debut was against England in the Oval Test (2018). Despite a top order-failure, Vihari scored a valiant 56 off 124 balls and stitched a crucial stand with Ravindra Jadeja in the first innings. In nine Tests so far, he has scored 552 runs at 36.80.
Quote
I am happy to play Test cricket: Hanuma Vihari
"I realized that when things are not in your control, you can't do much about it. No regrets. I am not gutted about IPL (snub). My focus always was on Tests and I am happy I could achieve whatever I did," said Vihari.
IPL
Vihari did not get an IPL contract this season
Having bagged a hefty contract with Delhi Capitals, Hanuma Vihari featured in mere two matches in the 2019 IPL season. Overall, the right-handed batsman has 284 runs to his name in 24 IPL matches at 14.20. "I have the ability to play all formats. So that's good enough for me, this knowledge. Once I get right the opportunity, I can do it," Vihari stated.
Test cricket
Ready to anything for my team: Vihari
Vihari has been a mainstay middle-order batsman for India since 2019. His ability to score runs overseas makes him a prized possession. "I am ready to do anything for my team. I want to score runs, dig deep and play long innings whenever I play abroad. I try to do my best so that team can't drop me," he concluded.
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Improvement in Vihari's Test record
Vihari's Test numbers have further improved since January 2019. During the period, he racked up 427 runs from six Tests at 47.44. The tally includes his maiden Test ton (111 off 225 balls), which he slammed against West Indies at Kingston.