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

In an unexpected turn of events, Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari recently announced his resignation from the Andhra Pradesh's Ranji Trophy team, which sparked controversy. Meanwhile, former chief minister and leader of the Telugu Desam Party, N. Chandrababu Naidu, expressed support for Vihari and denounced the actions of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), accusing it of engaging in vindictive politics aligned with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).

A surge of backing and condemnation ensued Vihari's declaration on Monday, February 26, indicating his decision to withdraw from representing Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket due to alleged mistreatment by the ACA.

Naidu took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the association's actions and pledged his unwavering support for the cricketer. He underlined Vihari's dedication to the game, vowing to see justice done in the case.

"It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh."

"Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity and commitment to the game speak volumes. These unjust actions don't reflect the true spirit of Andhra Pradesh or our people. We stand with you, and we'll ensure justice prevails. #WeStandWithHanuma," Naidu's tweet read.

Check out Chandrababu Naidu's post here:

It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh.

Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity…

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 27, 2024

Also read: Hanuma Vihari accepts Ashwin's invitation for 'Kutty Stories'; tweet goes viral

Hanuma Vihari claims ACA's political vendetta in captaincy row

Earlier, Hanuma Vihari explained all of the events that led up to his choice in an Instagram post, including his purportedly forced resignation as captain. After Andhra Pradesh's defeat to Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2024 fourth quarter-final on February 26 in Indore, he made the decision to never play for Andhra Pradesh again. 

Also read: Hanuma Vihari accuses ACA of wrongfully removing him from captaincy, vows to never play for Andhra Pradesh again

In a poignant post on social media, Vihari claimed that political meddling within the ACA was the cause of his captaincy being revoked during the game against Bengal. He had disclosed an altercation with a player who was a politician's son. He took advantage of his father's political connections to remove him from the captaincy even though Andhra defeated Bengal, the last season's finalists. Following the incident, Ricky Bhui took over as captain of the Andhra team. In addition, Vihari also accused the association of prioritizing individual players, which impeded the team's overall development.