Hanuma Vihari, India’s dependable middle-order batsman who wanted to utilise the summer by playing county cricket in England has put his plans on hold for the time being for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he is confident that he will be able to go to the UK and play from April to September.
“I was supposed to play four English county games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it’s on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19),” Hanuma Vihari said to PTI during an exclusive interaction. “Hope once it’s under control, I will be able to play those games. It will be a learning experience for me.”
He is not new as the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane have already played in English county. He also spoke about his 55 off 70 balls against New Zealand on a green top at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, he shared that it was a disappointment too.
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“I work for Nelson and I am committed to play when I am available. It was good match practice. Now I am back in Hyderabad. I will be taking a break for the time being,” he informed. “I wouldn’t call it my best innings. Yes, I was playing well but that innings didn’t get a victory for my team. It was good to score runs in tough conditions but you value it more when the team wins.”
Hanuma Vihari, who made his debut in England, has 552 runs in nine Test matches with an average of just under 37. Surprisingly, he has played all his Tests abroad.
“I have the self belief and the team believes that I have the technique to get success in overseas conditions,” he said. “Adaptability. I believe I have been able to adapt well in all conditions and I have confidence that I can perform any role that the team assigns me.”
“I am sure that I will get a chance to play in home conditions as well. My job is to work hard and be prepared for any situation,” Hanuma Vihari said. “We all have individual training chart during off time. I will try and follow that.”
