I don't like to throw my wicket away, it's something I take pride in: Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari, an Indian middle-order batsman, has long vexed bowlers with his rock-solid defensive approach while playing a Test match. Since his earliest days playing local cricket, Vihari has developed a reputation for using a strategy that sees him safeguard his wicket. The 28-year-old has spent the previous four years playing for Team India, mostly as a reserve player for the middle-order lineup.

Vihari has been given multiple opportunities in India’s international endeavours because of the same consistent method. He has played in 15 Test matches so far, 12 of which have been away from home. Vihari can stay at the crease for extended periods of time and wear out bowlers because of his strong technique and calm demeanour.

Hanuma Vihari stated in an interview with the New Indian Express that he has consistently used the same strategy and methodology since the beginning of his career as he said:

“I’ve been playing that way for as long as I remember. It comes out of habit because I’ve been playing that way since my early years. I don’t like to throw my wicket away. It’s something I take pride in, batting time and not giving away my wicket cheaply. Of course, you can get out to a low score to a good delivery, but you can’t throw away your wicket.”

The Sydney knock helped me gain confidence again: Hanuma Vihari

One such defensive approach was seen during his innings against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21, where India clinched a historic victory. When India were in deep trouble after losing a number of wickets, Vihari stood strong without losing his wicket, which frustrated the bowlers as even Pat Cummins and Tim Paine had agreed upon.

“If your mindset is not right or you are not in a good frame of mind, that is when I get disappointed. But, the Sydney knock was a turning point. I didn’t get a lot of runs in that series, but that knock helped me gain confidence again. I feel at the end of the day, how many runs you make is all that matters,” he added while citing his innings in Sydney Test.

In the Sydney Test last year, Vihari, who was dealing with a torn hamstring, persevered through a lot of discomforts to finish undefeated on 23 off 161 deliveries. He fought alongside Ravichandran Ashwin in the last session as the duo assisted India in securing a draw to stretch the series and followed it by winning the historic Gabba Test and clinching the series.