Hanuma Vihari signs with Tripura for 2025-26 domestic season

Former Andhra and current Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari recently shared that he feels that he still holds the capabilities of playing all three formats after landing a successful move to Tripura for the 2025/26 season. Vihari has been granted a No Objection Certificate by the Andhra Cricket Association.

The Kakinada-born shared that he did not play the previous Vijay Hazare Trophy after being given a clear message by the ACA that they were keen on nurturing youngsters instead of sticking along with players of his age. He also thought that he needed a 'new environment' to experience. The 31-year-old further articulated that his main objective was to play match-defining innings for whichever team he represents. He underlined the importance of enjoying his cricket and counting on his experience by translating into a heap of runs.

"I was keen on other opportunities since I believe I'm good enough to play all three formats. Andhra made it clear they were looking at youngsters for the T20 format. That was why I decided it didn't make sense playing even the 50-over format, so I sat out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. I also wanted to play in a new environment," stated Vihari, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The 31-year-old further articulated that his main objective was to play match-defining innings for whichever team he represents. He underlined the importance of enjoying his cricket and counting on his experience by translating into a heap of runs.

"My challenge is to take the team through. After 14-15 years of First-Class cricket, I've certainly got that experience that I want to pass on. But I'm not thinking of a comeback just yet. It's too far away. I want to score runs, important runs and then take the team through. More than anything, I just want to enjoy my cricket and score lots of runs." he added.

Vihari, who has represented India for 16 Tests up until now and has played 131 First-Class matches, has not been guaranteed to take over the captaincy of Tripura up until now. The north-eastern state will play in the Elite division of both the red and white-ball formats in the 2025-26 season. They will open their season in a match against Services in the Ranji Trophy clash from October 15.