Hanuma Vihari, a seasoned middle-order batter who has played in 16 Tests, has made a solemn vow never to play for Andhra again. His decision stems from feeling humiliated by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), which unceremoniously removed him as captain following his team’s victory over Bengal in the season opener held in Visakhapatnam last month.
Vihari found himself embroiled in an incident with a young player, who served as the 17th member of the squad. In a moment of frustration, he directed his ire towards the player, prompting a complaint from the player’s father. Consequently, the ACA sought Hanuma Vihari’s resignation. The father of the said player is believed to wield influence as a politician hailing from Tirupati.
Vihari confirmed on Monday that he had reprimanded the player but opted not to disclose the name. “A young career is involved, I do not want to disclose the name,” he informed. Notably, the player was selected in the 15 for the subsequent match against Mumbai.
Hanuma Vihari’s Standing and Future Plans
Hanuma Vihari, renowned for his contributions to Andhra cricket, boasts an impressive record of 37 games played and captaining in all matches prior to this season. With over 2000 runs (2733) to his credit, he stands among the top 10 Andhra batters. Despite his notable achievements, Vihari’s affiliation with Hyderabad, where he represented the team in 40 games, has led some in Andhra cricket circles to perceive him as an outsider.
In a recent Instagram post, Vihari addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future team, affirming that he remains committed to cricket. He hinted at his forthcoming decision, stating, “There is a lot of time left for this call.” Despite the challenges, Vihari’s resolve to continue playing cricket underscores his enduring passion for the sport and determination to navigate through the complexities of team dynamics and affiliations.
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