Low expectations a blessing in disguise, reckons Hanuma Vihari

Andhra Pradesh-born Hanuma Vihari comes from the humblest background and came to the forefront of Indian cricket after he featured for India in the U-19 World Cup which was held in Australia back in 2012. The 25-year old was made to wait seven years before he made his bow for India at the senior level when he featured in the away Test series against England, which India lost 4-1.

The India all-rounder is back in the IPL, after being overlooked in the auction three years ago, and will feature for Delhi Capitals in the coming season. 

"I think because of the slow strike-rate of the past, people won't have expectations from me, which can be a great thing. I take it positively, because now I have a chance to prove them all wrong," Vihari told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Delhi Capitals have a star-studded top order with Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, skipper Shreyas Iyer and the indomitable Rishabh Pant in the ranks. It will be interesting to see if Vihari is given a chance to prove his worth in the shorter format of the game next month.

"Honestly, given that I am playing the IPL after a three-year gap, I am ready to go out there and bat anywhere the management asks me to, whether it's at the top of the order, or in the role of a finisher.

"On my part, I am really in a great mental space and a great position as far as my game is concerned. I am really well-prepared for everything right now," Vihari added.