NEW DELHI: His credentials within the longer format of the sport have by no means been unsure. Hanuma Vihari started his Test cricket adventure with a preventing half-century in his debut knock at The Oval towards England last year.
Since then, he has long gone directly to open the innings for India and did so with aplomb towards the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning in a week's time, Vihari now wants to exhibit his white-balls talents to the world. A member of the Delhi Capitals crew, Vihari is eyeing the much-discussed No. 4 spot in India's ODI crew with a a hit IPL season.
"I think I fit the bill (for the No. 4 spot). I've got the technique. You need someone at that No. 4 spot who has a good technique and can adapt to any situation. I think I've the skills and the game to succeed at that position," Vihari instructed IdealNews on Saturday.
"The challenge for me is to perform in the IPL first. Rest depends on what the team management and the selectors think. Even with India 'A', in the white-ball format, I've done quite well. I feel I can take my game to the next level and this year's IPL will be a perfect platform."
The 25-year-old stressed that he also has the skills to play the role of a finisher. "I know I can play to any situation, even if it is the role of a finisher. I will go out there and express myself. If you have the will and hunger, then you can be successful in any role," he said.
A lot of communicate within the IPL revolves round power-hitting, enjoying unconventional cricket and being innovative in shot-making. Vihari, however, feels a batsman can take care of just right strike-rate by way of enjoying typical photographs too.
"When I played the IPL before, I didn't have the strength or exposure to clear the boundary. Now, I feel I've the strength; whenever I want to I can clear the boundary just by playing conventional shots. Players like Kane Williamson and Virat can maintain a good strike-rate by playing conventional shots. I look up to them, the way they play. I just have to plan my innings accordingly," reflected Vihari.
He also underlined the significance of a "good technique" with a view to be successful in any format of the sport. "I feel if you've a good technique then you can perform in all the three formats. It's people's assumption that I am just a Test player. I can only show them my performances. I am really looking forward to this year's IPL where I can showcase my skills. It's only the mindset that needs to be tuned," said Vihari.
Delhi hasn't been ready to win the IPL title within the last 11 seasons. In fact, the crew has not reached the playoffs within the last six seasons. In 2018, Delhi completed last among the eight participating groups.
Vihari, however, is hopeful that this year Delhi's fortunes will change. "When you're down, the only thing that can happen is you go up. This year we have an exciting, young team. We would look to win back-to-back games so that we can reach the playoffs. All will depend on how we start the tournament."
Since then, he has long gone directly to open the innings for India and did so with aplomb towards the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning in a week's time, Vihari now wants to exhibit his white-balls talents to the world. A member of the Delhi Capitals crew, Vihari is eyeing the much-discussed No. 4 spot in India's ODI crew with a a hit IPL season.
"I think I fit the bill (for the No. 4 spot). I've got the technique. You need someone at that No. 4 spot who has a good technique and can adapt to any situation. I think I've the skills and the game to succeed at that position," Vihari instructed IdealNews on Saturday.
"The challenge for me is to perform in the IPL first. Rest depends on what the team management and the selectors think. Even with India 'A', in the white-ball format, I've done quite well. I feel I can take my game to the next level and this year's IPL will be a perfect platform."
The 25-year-old stressed that he also has the skills to play the role of a finisher. "I know I can play to any situation, even if it is the role of a finisher. I will go out there and express myself. If you have the will and hunger, then you can be successful in any role," he said.
A lot of communicate within the IPL revolves round power-hitting, enjoying unconventional cricket and being innovative in shot-making. Vihari, however, feels a batsman can take care of just right strike-rate by way of enjoying typical photographs too.
"When I played the IPL before, I didn't have the strength or exposure to clear the boundary. Now, I feel I've the strength; whenever I want to I can clear the boundary just by playing conventional shots. Players like Kane Williamson and Virat can maintain a good strike-rate by playing conventional shots. I look up to them, the way they play. I just have to plan my innings accordingly," reflected Vihari.
He also underlined the significance of a "good technique" with a view to be successful in any format of the sport. "I feel if you've a good technique then you can perform in all the three formats. It's people's assumption that I am just a Test player. I can only show them my performances. I am really looking forward to this year's IPL where I can showcase my skills. It's only the mindset that needs to be tuned," said Vihari.
Delhi hasn't been ready to win the IPL title within the last 11 seasons. In fact, the crew has not reached the playoffs within the last six seasons. In 2018, Delhi completed last among the eight participating groups.
Vihari, however, is hopeful that this year Delhi's fortunes will change. "When you're down, the only thing that can happen is you go up. This year we have an exciting, young team. We would look to win back-to-back games so that we can reach the playoffs. All will depend on how we start the tournament."
Hanuma Vihari eyes No. 4 spot in ODI team
![Hanuma Vihari eyes No. 4 spot in ODI team]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
March 17, 2019
Rating:
