On Wednesday, February 1, Andhra’s Hanuma Vihari displayed remarkable determination and resilience as he took to the crease in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh. Vihari, a middle-order batter, suffered a broken wrist after being hit by a delivery from Avesh Khan on the first day of the contest. Despite the injury, he continued batting but was eventually retired hurt while scoring 16 runs off 37 deliveries. Scans later revealed the extent of the injury.
On the second day of the match, Andhra’s first innings was underpinned by a hundred from Ricky Bhui. With the team at 353-9, Vihari walked out to bat, despite his injury. He chose to bat left-handed due to the injury to his left arm, almost using only one hand as he released his injured top hand while playing strokes.
Vihari scored important runs at No. 10
Despite the challenge, he managed to hit a boundary off Avesh Khan and a sweep shot off Kumar Kartikeya’s bowling. At the time of writing, Vihari was unbeaten on 27 off 56 deliveries, with No.10 batter Lalith Mohan providing support. The additional runs could prove crucial if the outcome of the match comes down to a first-innings lead.
An Andhra team official confirmed that due to the severity of his injury, Vihari would require five to six weeks of rest. However, he also stated that Vihari could potentially return to bat if the team needed his services. Vihari’s heroic effort despite his injury was a testament to his determination and his commitment to his team.
His bravery and skill under pressure were truly inspiring, and he will no doubt be remembered as a gritty player who put his team first, even in the face of adversity.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Hanuma Vihari’s left-handed batting:
I bow down to you, Hanuma Vihari ?
After fracturing his wrist due to a ferocious delivery from Avesh Khan, Vihari walked off the field
But he has come out now and is batting left-handed for his team.???
The warrior ??? pic.twitter.com/Ia8GaFzr4m
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu ? (@APTalksCricket) February 1, 2023
A cut, a straight drive, a couple of solid blocks and a leg glance. Hanuma Vihari's left-handed avatar is the bravest thing I've ever watched live on a cricket field.#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/BUmlnvC8VQ
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 1, 2023
This is some insane level of commitment and bravery from Hanuma Vihari ????
Captain leading by example!#RanjiTrophy
— Prasen Moudgal (@Prasen_m4299) February 1, 2023
In international match ok but , In domestic match also he come and batting wow ?and Facing Avesh Khan
— ??????? (@Hameed_Honey1) February 1, 2023
This is Me when someone is absent in my team in gully cricket ??
— Utkarsh Sharma (@en_utkarsh) February 1, 2023
Team management assured Vihari the No.3 spot when Pujara was out of the side. Later when Pujara hit form and was back into the side, Vihari was not even in the squad. His exclusion was not even in the headlines. His stats really doesn't speak what he has done.
— Shathish Raj K (@Shathishpro) February 1, 2023
@rohan_095 Imagine picking surya ahead of him
— Hitesh Sharma ?? (@hitesh_1117) February 1, 2023
Gully Cricket ka rule professional cricket me bhi valid hai yeh aaj pata chala.
— Aadarsh ? (@aadarshdixit2) February 1, 2023
