Bhubaneswar: India’s middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari is ecstatic to have rescued the team from defeat in the Sydney Test against Australia. Buoyed by his heroic performance in the match, the sedate batsman, who is currently battling with injury, is hopeful of a return to the Indian team for the last two Test matches against England in the upcoming home series.
“I feel happy and proud to be involved in a stand with R Ashwin which saved the Test for India and kept the team’s hopes alive in the series,” said Vihari who is currently on a visit to the Capital City.
“It is a great feeling to play such an important innings with the hamstring injury causing acute pain. It was one of those efforts from my side which has a greater value than a Test century for me, given the circumstances we were in. Our effort ensured that India went to Brisbane with hopes of winning the series. It was wonderful to have Ashwin as my partner,” the 27-year-old explained.
Vihari feels the series win was one of India’s best, given the injuries to some of the team’s key players and the absence of skipper Virat Kohli after the first match.
“The team didn’t lose self-belief despite being bowled out for 36 in the first Test in Adelaide. We always knew it was one of those freak performances. All we told ourselves was to look ahead and give our best. The series win was one of India’s best, given the injuries to some of the team’s key players,” he said.
Looking ahead, Vihari said he is currently working on the rehabilitation for his hamstring injury, which he had suffered during the Test series against Australia.
“Hopefully, I will be fully fit and fine for the last two Test matches in the home series against England and return to the Indian team,” he said.
Shedding light on his ODIs and T20Is prospect, the affable batsman said, “I am trying my best to be part of the Indian team in all the three formats. But it’s up to the selectors. I am ready to grab the opportunity if given a chance to play in any format,” he added.
(Edited by Pradeep Singh)