Being with the Test team increased my confidence levels: Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari is yet to play a big knock in international cricket but one thing is clear that he has made a big mark. The right-handed batsman has left a lasting impression with some gritty knocks in his short career so far. On his debut, he scored a fighting fifty at the Oval against England while playing in his usual position in the middle-order. A few months later, he was in Australia and was made the makeshift opener in the last two Tests.

And Vihari did manage to impress one and all with his grit. The 25-year-old did not score big but managed to see off the new ball which made things easier for the other batsmen. Following the series in Australia, Vihari has returned to India and recently played for Rest of India against Vidarbha in the Irani Trophy. He starred with the bat in both the innings by scoring 114 and an unbeaten 180.

Vihari said that the time spent with the Test team has helped him become confident, thus citing it as the reason behind his impressive tons against Vidarbha.

“Being with the Test team increased my confidence levels. Once you know you belong to the highest levels, you have the confidence of dominating domestic cricket in a way,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Hanuma Vihari, as saying.

“Playing with the Indian Test side has taught me that you have to be decisive with your footwork, especially, with your defence. If you have confidence in your defence, then you can play shots accordingly. You can select which shot you want to play according to the ball. But first of all, you need to trust your defence,” he added.

Domestic cricket priority

Despite being a regular member in the Test team now, Vihari made it clear that he still does not take domestic cricket lightly. The Andhra Pradesh star said that it does not matter whether he plays international cricket or domestic cricket, the intensity remains the same.

“Domestic cricket has always been my grassroots. I have always known that I can score runs consistently in domestic cricket. I do not take my domestic cricket lightly. I play with the same intensity as international cricket,” Vihari said.

Vihari’s twin tons, nonetheless, went in vain as Vidarbha won the Irani Trophy on the basis of the first-innings lead. Chasing 280, Vidarbha were 269 for 5 when both the skippers decided to call truce.

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