Century of a different type: Hanuma Vihari's 6 runs off 100 balls amuses cricket fans

Hanuma Vihari's innings on Day 5 of the third Test between India and Australia has got fans amused. The batsman, who came after India lost the wicket of Rishabh Pant saw him start off at a very slow pace.

Vihari also got injured in the bargain and hurt his hamstring in a bid to sneak a single early on in his innings. However, with India losing half their side and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to injury, Vihari opted to continue to bat rather than retiring and walking back to the pavilion.

Amid all this, Vihari still managed a century but not with the bat, but with the ball. He scored six runs off 100 balls and fans spoke about how despite the injury he is still at the crease.

A century for Vihari. A century of a different type. Batting through excruciating pain for 100+ balls. Grit & character personified. That it has come on Rahul Dravid's birthday makes it even more special. Indian cricket will remember this effort for a long time to come, Hanuma.

— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) January 11, 2021

Pant 97 off 118
Vihari 7 off 118

Same Test Innings, One Played To Win, One Playing To Save. What a Team Combination. pic.twitter.com/c7yWYfU9VR

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) January 11, 2021

Q. What is Test cricket?

A. A player (Vihari) who picked up an injury while batting, is probably out of the next match BUT is still on the crease to save the one he is playing. Test cricket is a poem. Not everyone can understand it but those who can, will stay forever! #AUSvIND

— Kanav Bali (@Concussion_Sub) January 11, 2021

This is something else 

Great Character Shown by #Vihari pic.twitter.com/VpUeuGc5Sw

—  (@TheDarkHorse09) January 11, 2021

Risking his career, playing with hamstring injury, this man battling against all odds and doubters, playing best innings of his life, what a hero, sometime it’s not about fifty or century but what matter is intent, Respect for hanuma vihari pic.twitter.com/D0nkFV6hjc

— Subject Kantala HBK (@ifOnlyKewal) January 11, 2021

Hanuma Vihari 

If this was a GOAT this is nothing
Inning less pic.twitter.com/WTLnMl4ljo

—  (@aggressive_ldka) January 11, 2021

Vihari has scored 6 runs in 100 balls, yet it has been edge of the seat stuff. Numbers hide so much behind them. Beautiful game.

— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) January 11, 2021

Why isn’t Hanuma Vihari opting for a runner?

The choice of opting for a runner has been taken away from modern-day batsmen almost a decade ago in 2011. It was among the many rules that were changed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The runner was abolished after multiple cases of batsmen taking undue advantage of the rule.

It is due to this reason that Vihari will have to run on his own in the last session of the Sydney Test. The other option available for the 27-year old would be to retire hurt and come back at a later stage.