Virat Kohli gave me confidence on my Test debut, reveals Hanuma Vihari

09/15/2018

Test debutant Hanuma Vihari revealed how Indian captain Virat Kohli, gave him confidence on the crease as the former made his Test bow in the last Test against England at the Oval. Vihari enjoyed an impressive first game, where he scored 56 runs across two innings and also took three wickets.

Andhra Pradesh-born Hanuma Vihari made his Test debut at the Oval during India’s humbling 118 run loss in the fifth and final match of the series. Although India were comfortably beaten by a margin of 4-1 in the series, there were a lot of positives to take home for Virat Kohli and the rest of the Indian squad.

One of the positives was the impressive Test debut of Andhra’s Vihari, who found a place in the squad ahead of Hardik Pandya. Vihari, who spoke about his phone call with Test legend Rahul Dravid, looked like a seasoned player as he displayed his prowess at the Oval. But the youngster added that he was indeed nervous as he stepped onto the crease, until captain - Virat Kohli calmed him down and eased the pressure on the debutant.

“I was blank at that moment. It felt like a different world altogether — going out there to face James Anderson and Stuart Broad. I have been watching them on TV from a young age. And then to be suddenly facing them felt surreal.

“It was difficult in the initial period. Kohli helped me a bit from the other end. He gave me a few cues which helped me initially. He told me that this is the hardest conditions you will get in international cricket. Nothing comes close to this. If you go through this spell by Anderson and Broad, it will be a good experience in your first Test innings. The words gave me a lot of confidence,” Vihari told Firstpost in an interview.

Vihari, who was fortunate to survive an LBW decision when he was on zero, smashed seven fours and a six to register his maiden Test half-century. The Andhra Pradesh skipper scored 56 before he was dismissed by Moeen Ali, and also bagged three wickets across both innings.

“The intensity of the game is very different than what you play at India A. The importance of each ball is much more at the international level than at any other level. I am well prepared for my next tour as I know what needs to be done to match that intensity. It will give me a better chance of performing.

“I want to improve as a bowler. If you have a batsman in top six who can bowl, it makes a huge difference for a team. I have started bowling a lot now. And will look to focus more and more on it. This can help the team as well as me in the long run,” added Vihari.

Virat Kohli gave me confidence on my Test debut, reveals Hanuma Vihari

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