Hanuma Vihari hit a century in the second practice game and says he is more well equipped with his game now compared to the last time
The middle-order Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari, who scored a confident century in the second practice game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), against Australia feels more comfortable and confident with his game now compared to last time when he was on tour of Australia.
Vihari, who has made the number six position his own in the Test line-up batted at No 4 in the two games and looked pretty affluent batting at that number.
“In 2018, it was my second overseas tour (after England) and it was a good challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a little (back then), I feel I am more well equipped with my game and pretty sure with my gameplan as well and looking forward to the Test series,” Vihari said in the post-match press conference.
While batting at No 4, he also got a chance to bat with India's No 3 and No 5 players Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Now, when Virat Kohli leaves after the first Test, Vihari has surely put his name up to bat at No 4.
“At number four, I always feel you have more time than you think. In domestic cricket, I have always batted number three, so I am a bit familiar batting up the order,” he said.
Vihari also elaborated on the contrasting styles of the two batsmen, saying that Pujara is more solid while Rahane is the more flamboyant one.
“Obviously, batting with Pooji (Pujara’s nickname) is completely different. We always have a good communication and he tells me what the bowler is trying to do.
“Batting with Ajinkya, he is more flamboyant and he has also got a good sense of game situation
“….but coming to bat at number six is a total different game situation. You have to bat with the keeper or an all-rounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both position and it’s about what the team needs,” he said.
Now, after playing these two games, Vihari has got used to the comparatively higher bounce and the conditions on offer.
"It is very important as bounce plays a major part in this country so I feel we as Indians we tend to play every ball because of the bounce.
“First two games, if you see we are leaving the ball very well and trying to acclimatise to conditions here. Going into the first Test, we are very well equipped with pace and bounce of the wicket,” Vihari said.
If India chooses to go with four-pronged pace attack, Vihari might be needed to roll his arm over for his off-spin. He removed Australia A skipper Alex Carey on Sunday and according to him, he is a bowler who can bowl 'decently to a plan'.
“Today Ajinkya asked me to bowl to a plan and I was happy doing it. Getting the wicket was a bonus and happy with that."
Saha or Pant - the wicket-keeper conundrum
The only evident decision regarding the first Test XI India needs to take is the choice of wicket-keeper. While Wriddhiman Saha has been preferred as the keeper in Test matches at home, Rishabh Pant has featured more in overseas as he gives more with the bat.
Talking about the tough decision that India has to make before Thursday, Vihari said, “Healthy competition is always good for the team and I feel every spot, we have good competition. Its up to team management as to whom they want to pick.
“I feel both of them are in good form and its a tough call and good headache to have, he added.
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