India’s rookie batsman Hanuma Vihari revealed he talked to his India A coach Rahul Dravid before making his debut. It was evident that there must have been some butterflies in Vihari’s stomach when he was told about his debut. However, the debutant revealed talking to Rahul Dravid settled down the nerves.
In fact, it was palpable in the way Vihari took baby steps in the middle. There were challenging conditions as Stuart Broad and James Anderson were bowling at the top of their game. Vihari had the beginner’s luck as he survived two close calls.
Rahul Dravid’s calm words settled the butterflies in Vihari’s stomach.
However, he kept his focus intact on the Day 3 of the fifth Test match. Subsequently, the stylish batsman brought his maiden Test fifty on his debut innings. In fact, now he shares the same record with his coach who scored a fine 95 in his debut innings while batting at number seven at Lord’s.
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“I got to know the day before the match. Obviously, I was very thrilled. Because that was my dream, growing up playing cricket. I first informed my family about it and they were very very happy as well. I called him (Dravid) the day before I made my debut and told him I was making my debut. He spoke to me for a couple of minutes and gave his inputs and I thought it eased my nerves a little bit because it’s coming from a legend and you know that you belong here. He just told me that you have the skill set, you have the mindset and the temperament, just go out there and enjoy yourself,” he said at the end of day’s play.
It is just a start.
Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari who put on a fine display with the bat in his maiden innings believes it is only the start of his long journey. Vihari’s mother has played a key role in his career as his father expired when he was just 12 years old.
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“It’s just the start. I know I have to do a lot of things to cement my place in the Indian team, which I definitely want to do. Getting a half-century on debut is just the start,” he promised.
He had a dream to represent India at the topmost level. Thus, his dream was fulfilled when he was handed over his maiden Test cap. The Andhra right-hander showed all the promise to be a potent Test batsman in his first innings. Therefore, he would like to get more opportunities.