'From a players' fraternity, you want to trust the player always' - Aakash Chopra backs Hanuma Vihari amid Andhra Pradesh captaincy row

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has stated that he believes Hanuma Vihari's altercation with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is totally warranted as the batter's row with the board still persists. Following Andhra's loss to Madhya Pradesh in the 2024 Ranji Trophy quarter-final, Vihari made startling revelations regarding being compelled to relinquish his role as captain of Andhra Pradesh.

Chopra backed Vihari expressing his admiration for him, citing his ability to overcome setbacks, highlighting the manner he has overcome injuries to play for both Andhra and the Indian national team over the years. The 46-year-old also expressed a propensity to lean towards believing the batter's variant of the narrative.

"Mud-slinging is happening, the blame game is happening from both sides. From a players' fraternity, you want to trust the player always. Hanuma Vihari is not just any player. He batted for Andhra with one hand when he had a fracture in his hand," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"He has had an incredible journey. He has helped Andhra qualify. He has got the team together. I have huge respect for him, whether it was the Sydney match where he played with a torn hamstring and put his career on the line, and then he batted one-handed for Andhra. I would want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari's version," the former Indian opener concluded.

Also read: 'I was forced to resign, was not okay with it' - Hanuma Vihari provides further details around recent drama regarding Andhra Pradesh Cricket

I wanted to stand up for my rights: Hanuma Vihari

On February 26, Hanuma Vihari wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram, claiming that he was asked to step down after shouting at a player, whose father was purportedly a politician. The 30-year-old batter also shared the support he got from his teammates by sharing a letter from them with the state's unit president. Meanwhile, KN Prudhviraj, the 17th player in the Andhra team, claimed that Vihari was acting in order to win people over. Additionally, according to the ACA, athletes were intimidated into signing the letter of support. However, Vihari had provided his explanation in a bid to elucidate the reality to the public.

"I wanted to stand up for my rights. I put out a letter as well stating all the 15 players, excluding myself, and that players have stated they want me as the player and captain of the team. The team trusted me as a leader. I appreciate all the help which I have got in the last 24 hours. I came out to speak because people have to know the truth. That's why I came forward," said Vihari in an exclusive interview with India Today.

Also read: 'Hanuma your integrity and commitment to the game speak volumes' - Former CM Chandrababu Naidu backs Vihari amid captaincy row