Hanuma Vihari, a star Indian cricketer, is ready for a fresh start. He signed with Tripura as a professional for the 2025-26 domestic season. The Andhra Cricket Association gave him a no-objection certificate to make this move. Vihari wants to play all cricket formats and help Tripura grow.
At 31, Vihari is a proven middle-order batsman. He played 16 Tests for India, scoring 839 runs. His first-class cricket record is impressive, with 9,585 runs at an average of 49.92. He recently won Player of the Tournament in the Andhra Premier League.
Vihari’s decision follows tough times with Andhra. He felt humiliated by political interference in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Now, he’s excited to join an upcoming team like Tripura. He aims to score lots of runs and guide young players.
This article explores Vihari’s bold move, his cricket career, and his goals. We’ll look at why he’s a perfect fit for Tripura. For more on Indian cricket, check out the India vs. Bangladesh timeline.
Why Vihari Chose Tripura?
Hanuma Vihari’s move to Tripura is a big step. He wanted to play all formats—Tests, one-dayers, and T20 cricket. Andhra focused on youngsters for T20s, so Vihari sat out the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He needed a new challenge.
Tripura offered a one-year contract, extendable if both sides agree. Vihari sees Tripura as an upcoming team with potential. He believes he can help them compete with bigger teams. His experience will guide their young squad.
Vihari’s first-class cricket stats are strong, with 24 centuries. He wants to score “heaps of runs” in the 2025-26 season. Tripura approached him first, which excited him. He’s ready to embrace this new environment.
A Fresh Start After Andhra Drama
Vihari faced issues with Andhra Cricket Association. He stepped down as captain in 2023-24 due to political interference. This move to Tripura offers a clean slate. He’s eager to focus on batting and winning.
Vihari’s Stellar Test Career
Hanuma Vihari shone in Test cricket for India. He played 16 Tests, scoring 839 runs at an average of 33.56. His best was 111 against West Indies in 2019. He was India’s top batsman in that series.
His debut came in 2018 against England at The Oval. He scored a half-century in his first innings. Vihari also opened in Australia, showing grit. His middle-order skills earned him a spot over Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli praised Vihari’s calm batting style. His first-class cricket average of 49.92 shows his consistency. Vihari’s technique suits long-format games. He wants to keep scoring big in domestic cricket.
In 2019, Vihari scored 289 runs in four innings against West Indies. His steady batting won India the series. This performance proved his Test cricket talent. It made him a fan favorite.
A Leader for Tripura’s Young Squad
Vihari may not be Tripura’s captain yet, but he’ll lead by example. As a senior Indian cricketer, he’ll guide young players. He wants to build a strong Tripura team. His experience is perfect for this role.
He’s played 131 first-class matches, scoring 9,585 runs. His knowledge of domestic cricket is vast. Vihari aims to mentor Tripura’s squad to challenge top teams. He’s excited to share his skills.
Tripura has promising players, but they need direction. Vihari’s leadership will help them grow. He’s focused on team success, not just personal runs. His move could lift Tripura’s Ranji Trophy hopes.
Vihari coached in the TNPL in 2024. He loves teaching young cricketers. His leadership group role will inspire Tripura’s players. He aims to make them fearless against big teams.
Vihari’s Hunger for Runs
Vihari isn’t thinking about an India comeback yet. He just wants to score “truckloads” of runs. His first-class cricket record shows he can do it. He has 24 centuries and 51 half-centuries.
In the Andhra Premier League, he was Player of the Tournament. This boosted his confidence for the 2025-26 season. Vihari’s focus is on enjoying cricket and batting well. He believes runs will come naturally.
His batting stats are impressive across formats. In List A games, he averages 41.73. Even in T20 cricket, he’s scored 1,707 runs. Vihari’s versatility makes him a key Tripura player.
Vihari isn’t chasing a Test return. He wants to enjoy domestic cricket and score big. His focus is on helping Tripura succeed. This mindset could lead to more centuries. For more on big performances, see the New Zealand vs. India CT 2025 final.
How Vihari Inspires Domestic Players?
Vihari’s journey motivates domestic cricket players. He rose from Hyderabad to Andhra to India’s Test team. His first-class average of nearly 60 before his India debut shows hard work pays off. Young players look up to him.
Despite setbacks, like missing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he stayed focused. His move to Tripura shows courage to try new challenges. Young cricketers see him as a role model. His story proves domestic season success matters.
Vihari’s coaching in TNPL helped young players. He’ll do the same in Tripura. His experience will guide upcoming team members. He inspires them to dream big in Indian domestic cricket.
Vihari’s success with smaller teams like Andhra inspires others. His Ranji Trophy runs show grit. He wants Tripura to challenge the giants. Young players will follow his lead. For more on cricket’s growth, read about the first Women’s ODI World Cup.
Conclusion: Vihari’s New Journey Begins
Hanuma Vihari’s move to Tripura is exciting for cricket fans. He’s ready to shine in the 2025-26 season. His first-class cricket record and Test cricket experience make him a star. Tripura will benefit from his skills.
Vihari’s focus on scoring runs and mentoring is inspiring. He’s not chasing an India comeback yet. Instead, he wants to enjoy domestic cricket and lift Tripura’s game. His leadership will shape young players.
This move could change Indian domestic cricket. Vihari’s courage to join an upcoming team sets an example. His batting stats promise big scores in the Ranji Trophy. Fans can’t wait to see him bat.
Tripura’s domestic season just got more exciting. Vihari’s journey shows that hard work wins. Here’s to a season of runs and success for this middle-order batsman!
