India’s middle-order Hanuma Vihari has dedicated his maiden Test century to his late father. Vihari scored a fine knock of 111 runs off 226 balls with the help of 16 fours. It was an emotional moment for the right-hander. Vihari’s father had passed away when he was just 12 years old. Subsequently, Vihari had decided then that when he gets to his first International century, he will dedicate it to his father.
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Vihari has shown the right technique and he was able to tick the right boxes. In fact, the right-hander had missed the opportunity to score his first Test century in the first Test match when he was dismissed for 93 runs in the second essay. However, Vihari was not going to give away this chance of getting to the three figures.
Vihari has shown the right technique.
“Really happy that I was able to get my first ton. At Lunch I was on 84, and it took me a while to get to a hundred. Credit to the bowler, they were bowling really well. It was challenging and I am really happy. My dad passed away when I was 12. So I had decided when I get my first international century, I want to dedicate it to him. Today is an emotional day and I hope he’s proud.”
Vihari revealed that he was not able to get much sleep when he was unbeaten on 42 after stumps on the opening day. The right-hander also gave credit to Ishant Sharma who supported him in the 112-runs partnership.
When I was batting overnight on 42, I didn’t sleep well. All I was thinking about was how to get a big score. Happy that I got a century and credit should go to Ishant. He looked more like a batsman today than me. The way he was going, we kept discussing what the bowler was doing and his experience really helped,” Vihari said.
Hanuma Vihari has been impressive with the bat since he has made his debut against England. The right-hander has played all his six Test matches in the overseas conditions and has amassed 403 runs at an average of more than 40.
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“It’s been challenging because all my Tests have been away. I am the sort of person who relishes challenges. Playing away is a tough challenge and I want to do it for my team. I am happy that I am going in the right direction,” he said.
“I knew they will come hard in the first session because that was their best chance to get us out. They did get an early wicket but I just wanted to bat patiently.”
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was once again exceptional with the ball as he scalped another five-wicket haul. Bumrah also became the third Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the Test fold.
“We bowled brilliantly and Bumrah was exceptional. We have to get them all out as soon as possible. Any opposition will tell that they fear to face Bumrah. We enjoy watching him bowl and I know he has a long career ahead.”
India will look to continue their domination on the third’s day play.