Australia vs India: MSK Prasad wants Hanuma Vihari to be promoted in Virat Kohli’s absence

MSK Prasad, the former chief of Team India’s selection panel, reckons that Hanuma Vihari should be batting higher up the order in Virat Kohli’s absence during the last three Tests against Australia. Vihari made his Test debut back during the 2018 tour of England and has even opened the batting.

In 10 Tests, the right-hander has 576 runs at an average of 33.88. In the Day-Night Adelaide Test, which India lost by eight wickets, Vihari had a torrid time as he could only manage scores of 16 and eight, getting out to fast Josh Hazlewood on both instances.

However, bearing in mind his batting technique, Prasad stated that the Indian team would be better off promoting Vihari up. Prasad also mentioned that KL Rahul could be an option at the number six slot for the remainder of the series.

KL can be a good No. 6 in this series, says MSK Prasad

“Vihari has a very sound technique and temperament and he can serve this Test team for a long time. In absence of Virat, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted,” Prasad was quoted as saying in Times Now.

“I would prefer Vihari batting at No. 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the challenge. He is a gutsy boy and I have confidence that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this series,” he added.

Rahul hasn’t played a Test since India’s tour of the West Indies in mid-2019. In the two-match series in the Caribbean, Rahul flattered to deceive and was subsequently left out of the team. But some stupendous knocks for Team India in the ODI and T20I formats have made sure that he stayed in contention.

As far as India are concerned, after the opening Test, their confidence would have hit rock-bottom, especially after getting restricted for 36 in the second innings. The next gets underway on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and though India are the holders of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, it would take a monumental effort from them to retain it.