Hanuma Vihari got a chance to play a Test match at home for the first time since 2019. The right-handed batter ensured that he made the most out of the opportunity as he scored a half-century that placed the Indian cricket team in a decent position.
The first match of the ICC World Test Championship series between the Indian cricket team and the Sri Lankan cricket team started earlier today at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The match is Virat Kohli’s 100th one in Test cricket, whereas it is Rohit Sharma’s first one as Test captain.
Also, for the first time in a long time, the Indian cricket team is playing a Test with neither Cheteshwar Pujara nor Ajinkya Rahane in the playing XI. Both the veteran batters have been dropped because of their inconsistent performances over the last two years.
In their absence, the Indian team has given a chance to Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer. Vihari scored 58 runs off 128 deliveries at number three. His knock comprised five fours. Here’s what former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar had to say about his performance on Star Sports:
“He has given the same sense of calm to the Indian dressing room as Pujara used to. When Pujara was at the crease, you could breathe easy. You knew that one end would be tight.”
Fans on Twitter also felt Hanuma Vihari did a similar job like an in-form Cheteshwar Pujara
Like Sunil Gavaskar, Twitterati also felt that Hanuma played a solid knock at the number three position. The right-handed batter held one end and ensured that there are no chances for a collapse.
It seems like Hanuma may continue to bat in the number three position during the future matches as well. Here are some of the top Twitter reactions to Vihari’s confident knock:
Fifty by Hanuma Vihari in 93 balls. Got an opportunity at No.3 in place of Pujara and he fully grabbed with both the hands. So happy to see him in the team and scoring runs. pic.twitter.com/aVYNV0o9Il
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 4, 2022
Vihari showing his class and filling in #3 spot in India's test batting line-up, was shadowed by Pujara and Rahane! Another Gem of a player India didn't use much in the past few years@cricket_broken @bhogleharsha
— Avinash (@avinashvicky) March 4, 2022
India make good progress to lunch after losing Rohit & Agarwal. Kohli obviously centre of attention. Has looked assured after a loose first shot. Keep an eye out for Vihari. He’s slotted in Pujara’s position and has looked every bit as solid as the former no.3 in his prime
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 4, 2022
Well played Hanuma Vihari..🔥 Pujara can never be replaced but you filled his space and did his work..🔥 better luck for your second innings..🙌🏻
#INDvsSL— Virat Kohli Fan Girl❤️ (@Aaliya_Zain5) March 4, 2022
Just thinking how Pujara must be feeling watching Vihari bat like this
— BS (@Ahmadbilal111) March 4, 2022
Vihari to me is like the updated version of Pujara
Vihari has so easily rotated strike which has allowed Kohli to build his innings and get into a rhythm #INDvsSL— Nikhil k (@Nikhilk_2001) March 4, 2022
Now vihari gone hold the 3 for a long time, Well deserved and calm player, meant for test. https://t.co/VyxXjjAUWW
— Prathmesh Kholgade 🇮🇳 (@prathmeshk019) March 4, 2022
Yet another game Vihari showed his resilience 👏 https://t.co/itn4ktEEXS
— Raghav (@Im_RaghavVR) March 4, 2022
Head so still. Vihari is making up for all the lost time here. #INDvsSL https://t.co/3vXNRRde0C
— Aakash Sivasubramaniam (@aakashs26) March 4, 2022
Perfect in place of pujara 🙌 https://t.co/tECKmWIBIz
— 404 (@EddyTweetzBro) March 4, 2022
