Cricketing fraternity was all praises for Hanuma Vihari after he played a blisterring innings of 56 runs to rescue India from a horrific situation. The Andhra Pradesh captain’s selection in the team became a matter of debate as experts believed Karun Nair deserved a place in the team as he was warming the bench from the first test and Vihari just arrived in the 4th test. The 24-year-old batsman shut the critics by playing a top notch innings to take India close to 250 runs before he nicked a bowl by Moeen Ali past to Bairstow.
In the process, Vihari also became the fourth Indian batsman to notch a half century on debut in England after Rusi Modi (57* in 1946), Sourav Ganguly (131 in 1996) & Rahul Dravid (95 in 1996).
Reactions
Watching him bat, guess Vihari’s defensive game went in his favour. Team management must be given credit for the unorthodox selection. Must also give credit where it’s due. https://t.co/onkwzEgBER
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 9, 2018
A good comeback game for @imjadeja here. Tight with the ball and bat. Also, impressed by how Hanuma Vihari applied himself at the crease. Well deserved 50. #ENGvIND
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) September 9, 2018
Close call but well played on debut, Hanuma Vihari. Look forward to more.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 9, 2018
Very happy for Hanuma Vihari. Showed a lot of guts and determination and could be a really valuable asset in the middle order going forward. #EngvInd
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 9, 2018
Fifty on debut. Well played, Hanuma Vihari. Hopefully first of many ?? #engvind
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 9, 2018
Like the way Hanuma Vihari has batted so far. Might get out early but has looked compact and definite with his footwork. #ENGvsIND
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) September 9, 2018
50 on Debut for Vihari as India start well,finally some late order runs for them.. #ENGvIND
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) September 9, 2018
Reactions by the fans
In test team
If we select a player based on ranji trophy performance and not pyjama cricket IPL Performance then batsman like Hanuma Vihari will be formed….!!!
Well played young man….!!!! Keep batting carry on… ??#ENGvsIND— Abhradeep Saha (@angry_rantman) September 9, 2018
When can we start Vihari > Root?
— Sameer (@Notacrickethack) September 9, 2018
I feel Hanuma Vihari has a better technique than Hardik Pandya. 10 times better technique. This is the difference between an experienced First Class player and an overnight IPL star. But as usual Vihari will be dropped and Pandya will be taken to Australia! #ENGvIND
— Adethya R (@Adethya_r) September 9, 2018
Now both Jaddu and Vihari will play first Test against Australia
— JSK (@imjsk27) September 9, 2018
