WI v IND | India A team experience, Rahane’s calmness helped my game, says Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari reckons it was his prior experience of the Caribbean conditions with the India ‘A’ team combined with Ajinkya Rahane’s calm at the crease that helped his batting. Vihari’s 93, and 145-run partnership with Rahane, helped India mount a 418-run target on course to their win.
Having been a surprise inclusion in the playing XI, given the other experienced players in the squad, the onus was on Vihari to perform. He made a decent 32 in the first innings but failed to kick on. The second time of asking, however, the 25-year-old stood his ground to produce a fluent 93.
“I came here early with the Indian A team, and that experience was handy. I knew how the conditions would play. ,” Vihari said at the post-match press conference, reported Cricbuzz.
“(Rahane) was helping me out with what the bowlers were trying to do, because he was already set when I went in to bat. That kind of eased the way I could plan my innings. He is one of those who is very calm at the crease,” he continued.
When Rahane and Vihari walked out after lunch, the emphasis to score quick runs and post a big target was clear as daylight. Although his partner got to the three-figure mark, Vihari gloved one down the leg side to end his dreams of a maiden Test hundred seven runs short.
“We had a plan after lunch to bat for one hour. I thought if I could accelerate initially and get closer, then I take my time and get there. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. But, I’m happy that I contributed to the team’s success,” Vihari said.
Vihari has been around the Indian Test side since he was roped in for the final Test in the tour of England last year. However, he has constantly been in a battle with the likes of Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin for a permanent place in the side.
“It is important that my off-spin keeps developing, not only for myself but also for the team, given the specific combinations needed. I really don’t think it (about being selected ahead of experienced players). If the team wants a certain combination, we go in and perform,” Vihari added.
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