Vihari makes a strong case for Oval Test
Hyderabad: There is a strong case for G Hanuma Vihari to play in the fourth Test against England at the Oval where he has fond memories of making his international debut three years ago. With Indians crumbling against the Joe Root-led team in the third Test at Leeds, the five-Test series is now delectably poised […]
Hyderabad: There is a strong case for G Hanuma Vihari to play in the fourth Test against England at the Oval where he has fond memories of making his international debut three years ago. With Indians crumbling against the Joe Root-led team in the third Test at Leeds, the five-Test series is now delectably poised at one-all. Skipper Virat Kohli’s plans went awry at Leeds and for sure there are a few places up for grabs. There is an indication of Vihari, who after a long wait, could make yet another comeback who could strengthen the brittle middle-order that has faltered in this series.
Former Test cricketer and coach WV Raman, now a commentator, firmly believes that Vihari should address the middle order woes of the Indian batting. “He did not go out of the team because of poor form but he went out due to injury. Even in Australia when he was injured in Sydney, he played that crucial knock though numerically one may not appreciate it but he showed that character. If he gets the game at the Oval he may have fond memories. He has to seize the opportunity. One good thing is that he is identified as one of the players ready to play whenever there is a chance to field him,’’ he said.
Ever since he made his debut in 2018 against England, Vihari has not been able to establish himself in the team. After a high in the West Indies where he topped the batting with scores of 32, 93, 111 and 53 not out in the two-Test series in 2019, he has been in and out of the team.
John Manoj, who has been the coach of Vihari from his childhood, thinks this former Hyderabad skipper can rise to the occasion. “Given the ups and downs in his career that he has faced so far, it is important to be mentally strong and that Vihari possesses this quality. He has been the victim of circumstances. With the Indian team going with five bowlers, Vihari does not get the chances frequently because of the other senior batsmen in the team. But he could play as a batting all-rounder where he can bowl a few overs.
“There was always a place at the top and now Rahul has taken that spot. It zeroes down to middle order. His story is on the similar lines of VVS Laxman, who refused to open after doing so in the few Tests. But he came back strongly and went on to become one of the greatest Indian batsmen in the middle order. Vihari, like VVS, has the ability to bat with the tail-end batsmen. He is strong mentally and can handle the pressure,’’ he said.
His former Hyderabad teammate CV Milind said Vihari has the skills to come good in big matches. “To play in the heavy Indian batting line up is a creditable feat. He is waiting for the opportunity and when he gets that chance, he will make it count,’’ said the left-arm pacer.
Hyderabad opener Akshath Reddy added that Vihari is aware of this opportunity. “He has the grit and will be very focused for the challenges which we have seen during our Ranji Trophy days.’’
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