'If he continues to impress, the national team could be next' - Former India chief selector MSK Prasad on Ricky Bhui

If there's one cricketer who has looked absolutely flawless over the past year or so, it has to be Ricky Bhui. Not only did he emerge as the leading run-getter in the previous edition of the Ranji Trophy, the seasoned campaigner replicated the same in the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy. With 902 runs in 13 innings and 359 runs in six innings in the respective two domestic competitions mentioned above, he has certainly grown from strength to strength.

Former chief selector of the Indian team, MSK Prasad, who had picked Bhui for the academy affiliated with the Andhra Cricket Association, felt that he had matured enough to be granted an opportunity to represent the Indian team. 

"He has been performing exceptionally and consistently across formats. His contemporaries like Sarfaraz Khan have already broken into the Indian squad, so why not Ricky? He deserves a chance in India A (against Australia later this year), and if he continues to impress, the national team could be next. Emerging as the highest run-scorer in both the Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy in which top players have taken part, is no small feat," stated Prasad, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Also Read - Reports: Hardik Pandya to feature in Ranji Trophy with eye on Test team return

I hope to continue in the same vein: Bhui

The 27-year-old clarified his prime objective while at the crease as well as hoped to continue on growing as a professional cricketer as time progressed.

"My focus has always been to score as many runs as possible for my teams. The last few seasons have been very fulfilling. Centuries in the Ranji Trophy against Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (last season) came against top-quality bowling and difficult situations, much like my recent hundreds in the Duleep Trophy. I hope to continue in the same vein," mentioned Bhui.

Bhui has been in unparalleled form of late, and is in fact, the leading run-scorer for Andhra Pradesh with 4,363 runs in 59 games over the last 10 seasons. He will be hoping to press on with the good work while taking charge of his state team for the season to follow. 

Interestingly, Hanuma Vihari has been named in the 16-member squad of Andhra Pradesh for the current season. The India batter had previously threatened to make his way out of the state, citing political interference and mistreatment by the Andhra Cricket Association as two of the main factors for his decision. However, it is reported that Vihari, on second thoughts, decided against the stance and opted to continue playing for Andhra.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan's national comeback under shadows despite fiery domestic outings

Andhra Pradesh squad: Ricky Bhui (c), SK Rasheed (vc), KS Bharat (wk), GH Vihari, K. Nitish Kumar Reddy, K. Maheep Kumar, M. Vasmi Krishna (wk), M. Abhishek Reddy, KV Sasikanth, Ashwin Hebber, CH Stephen, P. Satyanarayana Raju, A. Lalith Mohan, G. Manish, T. Vijay, M. Hemanth Reddy.