Hanuma Vihari eyes Test comeback after marvellous Ranji Trophy season

Hanuma Vihari (Pic: AFP)

Indian test batsman Hanuma Vihari is eyeing a comeback in the longest format of the game after rounding off the Ranji Trophy season on a high note.

Vihari's rich vein in form played a major role in Andhra Pradesh's campaign in Elite Group B. Currently, Andhra Pradesh is placed at the second spot on the list with three wins in five games.

The 30-year-old Andhra batsman has scored 365 runs in seven innings and is just behind skipper Ricky Bhui's tally of 550 runs. Vihari averages above 50 in domestic cricket.

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He is struggling to donn the Indian test jersey but is keen to leave a mark in domestic cricket and extend his 16 Test appearances.

"I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy. The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team," Vihari told ESPNcricinfo after Andhra beat Bihar.

Back in the year 2021, the right-hander played one of the most celebrated knocks in India's Test history. He scored an unbeaten 23 runs in 161 deliveries in Sydney against Australia. His 161-ball knock turned out to be a match-saver for the visitors.

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But since then he has been missing from the action and he indicated that it is likely that as of now he isn't on the radar of selectors.

"No one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven't been in touch with anyone since then," Vihari said.

Vihari made his last Test appearance in 2022 at Edgbaston and scored 22 and 11. Now he is focused on improving and enjoying his game.

"But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don't do that, there is no purpose left. When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs. I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen," Vihari added.

Andhra Pradesh will now face Uttar Pradesh on February 9 at the PVG Raju ACA Sports Complex.

(With ANI Inputs)