Things were bound to get controversial when Ben Stokes started a verbal attack on debutant Hanuma Vihari after the Andhra batsman hit him for a six. Vihari, 24, reveals that Kohli’s involvement helped him.
“Just tried to focus on my own game. He (Virat Kohli) also had a go at him and that’s how the game is played nowadays; that’s how Indian cricket is now. But my aggression is something, which I want to do with the bat,” Vihari said.
Sachin Tendulkar was also a batsman with same acts. In the late 90’s and early 20’s, he was at the peak of his career and bowlers used to take on him verbally, but the Mumbai batsman used to give them a befitting answer with the bat. Who would forget the Shoaib-Sachin banter in 2003 world cup semi-final. Remember that sledging costed Shoaib an evergreen six over third man.
Here’s the video
“Obviously if its gets personal then I might say something back. But as long as it’s healthy then everyone likes to have some banter in the cricket field,” Vihari said.
Watch the press conference
Vihari said that he learned about his selection a day before the match. He said that he was thrilled because like other cricketers, it was his dream to represent India.
“Obviously, I was very thrilled. Because that was my dream, growing up playing cricket. I first informed my family about it and they were very happy as well.
“It’s just the start. I know I have to do a lot of things to cement my place in the Indian team, which I definitely want to do. Getting a 50 on debut is just the start. Going forward, scoring a lot of runs for India is my main goal.”
I will like to play IPL- Vihari
“Not playing IPL is definitely not an option for me. If I get picked in the IPL, I will definitely play. But my only route coming into the Indian team is grinding through the domestic circuit. I have to score big runs to be recognized,” said Vihari who has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013 and 2015 season.
Crediting his state team of Andhra Pradesh for his success.
“Also, I’m coming from Andhra. People don’t recognize those states as much as the other states. So in domestic cricket I try to get big scores, When you play for a smaller state, if you are the main batsman you have to take a lot of responsibility,” he said.
Vihari has also played for Hyderabad from 2010 to 2016 but later turned to play for Andhra Pradesh from 2017 season.
“You face a lot of tough situations. So if you look at this match — I had a lot of experience (playing in this sort of situation). When I played for India-A too, I faced a lot of tough situations. I got used to those situations and I could handle them comfortably today,” he added.
