A lot of talks surrounded India’s versatile batsman Hanuma Vihari when he was selected ahead of Rohit Sharma for the first Test versus West Indies in the recently concluded two-match series. India managed to win the first Test by a shopping margin and Hanuma Vihari was one of the class acts. Vihari once again stepped up and helped Team India come out strong at Kingston. India sealed the series by a 2-0 margin and collected 120 points on offer in the ICC World Test Championship.
The man that caught the eye in the series was Hanuma Vihari. The 25-year-old looks like someone who could be the next pillar of the side especially in that middle order. He is simple, yet artistic. He looked solid, unfazed by any sort of pressure and had that hunger in his eyes. These are signs of a proper Test player.
In the first innings in North Sound, came in when India was reeling at 93-4. With Ajinkya Rahane he added 82 vital runs. Remarkably, it wasn’t that he went into a shell but instead batted freely to reverse the momentum. The circumstances were much favorable in the second innings. And then in the second Test, he once again batted at a period of crisis, especially in the second innings.
With the Indian cricket team up against South Africa in the upcoming three-match Test series, Hanuma Vihari has done a world of good to himself. His scores of 32, 93, 111 and 53 were top-notch and what it has done is that it gives both him and the team the cushion to build on. Here we analyze why the batsman is set to stay in the side for a long time and why he deserves the utmost respect.
Hanuma Vihari presents the touch of someone like a Laxman
Vihari has also given us flashbacks of former Indian legends Virat Kohli and VVS Laxman. The versatility, ability to bat and settle down in difficult scenarios and make the bowlers toil hard after being patient, are the attributes Vihari carries just like that of these two former stalwarts.
Mostly, he is more like a Laxman in that crucial number six position. He can bat with the tail and also put up a fight whenever required in that crucial juncture. Since Laxman’s retirement, India somehow struggled to get that number six batsman. One can say that Vihari has come in and assured the side he is the present-day Laxman.
He has miles to go to achieve what Laxman did. But at least he brings in that feel and temperament. The job for the middle-order batsman has just started. When quality sides come at him, that’s where the real test begins. Hanuma Vihari showed character in England and then in Australia after sticking out in different positions. Therefore, the shades of a fighter are there in him.
Hanuma Vihari has that desire to stick and fight
The right-handed batsman is someone who has had a busy short career so far for Team India. He has batted in numerous positions and somehow showed the urgency to stick and fight. He is a real solid character who knows the nuances of Test cricket. Hanuma Vihari knows that his place isn’t cemented as of yet and he has to keep producing a substance to stake a claim.
“I think his skill sets were outstanding. His temperament and technique were top-notch and he countered everything the opposition threw at him. Very, very pleased with the way he has come about,” Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli said about Hanuma Vihari after the conclusion of the second Test.
When India go out and play cricket in SENA, that’s where someone like a Vihari will be useful at large. That desire to hang in there and play positive cricket makes him a real gem.
He brought in that substance against West Indies
Against Windies, as Kemar Roach threatened to rip India apart on the opening day of the Test, Vihari stitched an 83-run partnership with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. The stand was built over 123 deliveries. It also took India to relatively safe waters.
And then in the second innings, it was the same partnership that helped India gain a hold. Vihari and Rahane scored a century-plus stand this time (135 off 226 balls)Â but the complexion of the game had changed; this time it was to end all hopes for West Indies.
The enigmatic Vihari played a more aggressive knock (93 off 128) and recorded the second half-century of his fledgling career.
In the second Test, he shared a crucial century-plus stand with Ishant Sharma to help India get past 400. And then another constructive stand with Rahane in the second innings helped India gain authority.
Vihari looks like a genuine deal
Now what it has done is that Vihari’s efforts will keep Rohit Sharma out of the side as of now. He will also get those chances in that crucial number six position. This will allow India to try Rohit out as an opener especially with the consistent failures of KL Rahul in Tests.
India’s new number six batsman needs to continue believing in himself and score. In this manner, there won’t be any pressure and talks of why he shouldn’t be in the side or starting a match at least. He is someone whose simplicity will take India to greater heights. He is like a silent worker, who can assure the side of his rich presence and technicalities.
It’s a big moment for India to have someone like Vihari and giving him that opportunity to shine. His average of 45.60 will surely get better as he gains more experience with time.