WI v IND | Donât compare me with VVS Laxman, says Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari, Indiaâs new star at No.6, doesnât want to be compared to the legendary VVS Laxman - a player he admires and looks up to him. The 25-year-old produced some impressive performances in the two match Test series against West Indies - amassing 289 runs at an average of 96.33.
Before producing runs galore for Team India on the international stage, Vihari had been doing the damage along with the India âAâ side. In the three-match unofficial Test series against West Indies âAâ, he notched up 224 runs with a century and a half-century and captained the side to a 2-0 series win. But then, it was time for senior team action, and although a majority of pundits reckoned he would be in the waiting list behind Rohit Sharma, skipper Virat Kohli decided to go with the younger option. Vihari stepped up, delivered, and by the end of the two Tests, has instilled confidence in many a follower of Indian cricket that he can follow in the footsteps of his idol, Laxman.Â
â(Laughs) Donât compare me with him. The moment I enter the ground, the first thing that comes to my mind is the situation my team is in. I plan accordingly and bat on. I have learnt a lot from VVS sir. He is a legend. I have spent a decent time in Hyderabad. During IPL and domestic season, we chat and discuss cricket. He has vast experience and I love discussing things with him,â Vihari told TOI.
What has worked well for Vihari is the support of the team management, and even more so the enthusiasm that Kohli has shown in backing in him at every turn.Â
âMy captain Virat, coach, Shastri sir and the entire management are very supportive. Thatâs the big thing for me. I want to be the player the team can trust. I want to bat as long as possible for the team. I canât describe the feeling when I stretched my arms and celebrated my century while looking at the dressing room. The entire team was applauding me from the dressing roomâs balcony. I am really happy that I am part of the worldâs best team. I look forward to playing many more knocks like this in the future,â Vihari said.
Perhaps, Kohliâs best words in praise of Vihariâs performance was when he said that âthe dressing room is calm when he is in the middleâ â not easy to top that level of praise from one of the greatest batsmen of this generation. But the praise was not all one-sided and Vihari acknowledged how privileged he is to play under Kohli, who has now become Indiaâs most successful Test captain.
âHe (Virat Kohli) has led by example. Everyone knows that he has got a lot of passion. The energy which he possesses, it is intimidating to the opposition. He is a great captain, and the way he is driving the team forward is amazing. I am sure he will lead the team to the Test Championship win. I am happy and proud that I am playing under him,â he said.
Vihari took him all the plaudits for his efforts and deservingly so, but he himself was not one to forget the efforts of the star with the ball â the one and only Jasprit Bumrah.Â
âHe (Jasprit Bumrah) is quite unique and a very important part of our team. He is improving with time. He has an abundance of talent. He deserves all the praise and the way he is getting wickets is incredible. We are fortunate that he is playing for our team rather than the opposition. He will be a crucial factor in the World Test Championships going forward,â Vihari added.
Overall, the Men in Blue will return home from what was a highly satisfactory overseas tour, one in which they did not lose a single game across formats. India now sits atop the ICC Test Championship table with 120 points and look forward to greeting the South Africans later this month.
