Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari is confident on himself and his IPL side Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL season.
Hanuma Vihari made his IPL debut in 2013 and has only played the 2013 & 2015 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The right-handed batsman scored 241 runs in his first IPL season with an average of 17.21. In 2015, he played only five games where he scored only 39 runs with an average of 9.75. Meanwhile, as an off-spinner, he just picked up one wicket in his first IPL season.
However, the present situation is much different for him. Hanuma Vihari is now a reputed Indian cricketer who has just started to impress in the international cricket. Though he has played only four Tests for India, his cricket skills have already impressed. Moreover, he recently hit twin centuries in the Irani Trophy match against Vidarbha.
Observing his cricket skills, Delhi Capitals have put the faith on Hanuma Vihari as they bought him from the latest IPL players’ auction for INR 2 crore. However, the 25-year-old has claimed that he is not feeling any pressure as he is only focusing on his game.
Talking about his opportunity for Delhi Capitals, Hanuma Vihari told CricketCountry, “I don’t feel any pressure at all, it’s an opportunity for me to showcase my talent and what I have become as a cricketer in these three years. My only goal is to contribute in a winning cause for Delhi Capitals. Of course, as a team our ultimate dream is to win the trophy.”
I’ve waited for three years, and I’m mentally in a great space at the moment
While his initial IPL career hadn’t seen much success, Hanuma Vihari has to wait three long years to earn another opportunity. This time he is ready to take any role for his team.
When he was asked about his batting position, Hanuma Vihari said, “It really depends on the management – when and where they want me to bat, as an opener or a finisher. But I am fully ready and prepared for everything. I’ve waited for three years, and I’m mentally in a great space at the moment.”
I can play more freely, and express myself better
Talking about his new confidence, Hanuma Vihari reveals that it has come due to his long-awaited debut for India. He believes that he can now play more freely.
He said, “With the India debut having happened, a lot of pressure is off my shoulders. I’d been waiting for it for really long. Now that the monkey is off my back, I can play more freely, and express myself better.”
Hanuma Vihari also believes that the upcoming IPL season is an excellent opportunity for him to open his spot for the limited-overs squads in the national team. He is desperate to utilise this opportunity fully.
The Indian cricketer said, “Absolutely. Whether it’s ODIs or T20s, this is where so many India players come up from. You maybe playing a lot of domestic, a lot of List A games, but there are only so many people following that, whereas the IPL is a tournament where the whole world watches you. I’ve got this opportunity after 3 years, and want to grab it with both hands.”
Hanuma Vihari has played 67 List A matches and 65 T20s where he has scored 2,703 runs (average 46.60) and 1,219 runs (average 21.38) respectively.