'I have the ability to play all formats' - Hanuma Vihari after being termed as Test specialist and finding no buyers for IPL 2020

Based on their batting style or strike rate, many batsmen get typecasted with a particular format of the game. Many players like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara have suffered through this issue as they were tagged as ‘red-ball specialists’. Hence, they couldn’t get the opportunity to flaunt their other side as well in the shortest format of the game.

Same is the case with Hanuma Vihaari– termed as India’s ‘Test specialist’. Vihari was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore in the 2019 IPL but he didn’t find any takers for this season. The 26-year-old had kept his base value at INR 50 lakh in IPL 2020. However, Vihari has stated that he’s happy to be considered as a Test specialist and he does not have any regret after being snubbed by franchises in IPL 2020 auction.

“I realised that when things are not in your control, you can’t do much about it. No regrets. I am not gutted about IPL (snub),” Vihari said during an Instagram chat on the show ‘Homerun with AV’ as quoted by TOI.

“My focus always was on Tests from an early age and I am happy I could achieve whatever I did,” added Vihari.

Hanuma Vihari also lauds Virat Kohli’s work ethics

Vihari also lauded current India skipper Virat Kohli’s work ethics as well as his preparation. Vihari added that he’s ready to do anything for his side and contribute by playing long innings whenever he’s playing on the away surface. “The best part of Kohli’s game is his preparation. I have learnt that from him. His work ethic is also amazing,” he said.

“I am ready to do anything for my team. I always tried to score runs, dig deep and play long innings whenever I play abroad. I always try to do my best so that team can’t drop me,” said the 26-year-old.

Meanwhile, after being termed as successful as a Test specialist, Vihari believes he also has the ability to do well in other formats. He expressed that he can flaunt his ability in other formats too whenever he gets the right opportunity. In an international career spanning over 9 Tests, Vihari has scored 552 runs at an average of 36.80. The right-hander also has a ton and four half-centuries while donning the Indian Test jersey.

“See I can’t change what people think about you. I have to score runs consistently and those are the thoughts that come to my mind. I believe I have the ability to play all formats. So that’s good enough for me, this knowledge. Once I get right the opportunity, I can do it,” said Vihari.