‘Baffling’ – Twitterverse slam BCCI selectors for axing Hanuma Vihari from New Zealand Test series

Some notable inclusions and exclusions have been made as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand. While prominent names like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, Jayant Yadav and Prasidh Krishna have been awarded for their stellar show in the domestic circuit.

Hanuma Vihari was another notable absence from the squad. The right-handed batter has been in Test team since the last few years and has done reasonably well. While Vihari could never find a place in India’s first-choice XI, he contributed significantly in the limited opportunities. In fact, he famously saved India from a defeat in his last appearance which was recorded against Australia in Sydney earlier this year.

Vihari was also a part of India’s Test squad for the England tour earlier this year, although he didn’t get any chances. Hence, his exclusion raised several eyebrows, and fans weren’t amused either. Netizens took to social media and demanded clarity and justification over the batter’s axing.  It has to be noted that Rohit Sharma has been rested for the entire Test series. Also, regular skipper Virat Kohli would only feature in the second game.

Hanuma Vihari to travel to South Africa!

Hence, Vihari, who has been a prolific run-getter in India’s domestic circuit, could have played a significant role against the Kiwis. However, the national selectors didn’t consider him for some reason. While it seems like Vihari has been dropped from the side, ESPNCricinfo reported that the Hyderabad batter will be touring to South Africa with India A team for three four-day matches.

Notably, Vihari hasn’t been named in India A’s initial squad which was announced a couple of days ago. It is understood that the right-handed batter has been the last-minute addition to the squad. As the selectors haven’t confirmed the development, it would be interesting to see whether Vihari travels to the rainbow nation or not.

Speaking of Vihari’s international career, the 28-year-old has played 12 Tests so far for India, all away from home. He has amassed 624 runs in 21 innings with his average being just below 32. He also has four half-centuries and a hundred, which came against West Indies, under his belt.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to Hanuma Vihari’s exclusion:-

Where is @Hanumavihari

— The Manoj Parmar (@Themanojparmar) November 12, 2021

I think it's only fair that selectors share their view on Hanuma Vihari & why he has been ignored. Vihari ticked all the right boxes to raise his hand for Test selection. I see no reason why he should be dropped. If the selectors have a view, they should be loud & clear about it.

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) November 12, 2021

I'm told Hanuma Vihari is fit and has been dropped. He will join the India A team which will play three four-day matches in South Africa. Very, very harsh call on him.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) November 12, 2021

This was Hanuma Vihari's last test match for India. Very sad that he has been dropped from the squad. pic.twitter.com/FjqGvrOi0r

— ` (@FourOverthrows) November 12, 2021

Just checked. Hanuma Vihari has no injury concerns, was fit for selection. My guess is, selectors will now try to draft him in 'A' squad & probably say he must get time in SA. Last-min damage control. Won't buy the theory. Hanuma should've been playing these Tests vs NZ. Period!

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) November 12, 2021

Surprised by Hanuma Vihari's omission. BCCI release as usual doesn't state anything. He missed Hyderabad's last match in SMAT20, so have to assume it is injury related. If not doesn't justify his drop.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) November 12, 2021

“His scan reports are in and he has a Grade 2 tear which means the boy batted for around 3 hours with searing pain. He deserves praise for standing there and holding fort like a true champion” (In historic Sydney test draw, 2021)

just reminding who Hanuma Vihari is! 🙂🙏

— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) November 12, 2021

Among players to make their debut in the 21st century, only two world-wide have a better first-class batting average than Hanuma Vihari (min 50 games)

Steve Smith (57.1)
Fawad Alam (56.7)
Hanuma Vihari (55.00)

We don't want another Fawad story. Give the guy a fair run #INDvNZ

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 12, 2021

Unfair would be an understatement. We throw Vihari to the dogs on tough away tours, but deny him an opportunity to score runs at home, build confidence and cement his place long-term 😡 https://t.co/8BS20U2bGu

— Achal V. (@achalcricket) November 12, 2021

Seems like BCCI forget who is Hanuma Vihari 😇😇#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/hDfRV9q1TN

— HAR5HIT🚩 (@INVINCIBLE45_) November 12, 2021

Baffling https://t.co/0IOx0dRrn2

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 12, 2021

Hanuma Vihari scored 23 off 161 deliveries against #AUS with injuries. And save India from lost the test match. Now he has dropped from the squad !! This is horrible 😞#HanumaVihari #INDvsNZ#INDvNZ #NZvsINDpic.twitter.com/vqiBFUnlOq

— CRICKET VIDEOS 🏏 (@AbdullahNeaz) November 12, 2021

If not for any fitness/injury issue, Hanuma Vihari deserves a place in test playing xi as much as anyone in the team#justiceForVihari pic.twitter.com/JvgV3BiCC7

— Harshith Teja (@Harshith_Teja_) November 12, 2021