Hanuma Vihari eyes County stint after coronavirus is under control
India's Test batsman Hanuma Vihari had wanted to utilize the summer of 2020 by playing English County after being snubbed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction. However, the coronavirus pandemic crushed his hopes. The 26-year-old wants to feature in the County but now a deal will be inked only when the coronavirus situation comes under control and travel bans are lifted globally.
I was supposed to play four English County games: Vihari
Vihari said that he was supposed to play four English County games this season. "I was supposed to play four English County games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name [of the team] when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it's on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19)," Vihari was quoted as saying by PTI.
Vihari wants County to be a learning experience for him
Vihari remains confident that he will be able to travel to the UK during the later part of the County season, which is played from April to September. "Hope once it's (coronavirus) under control, I will be able to play those games. It will be a learning experience for me," said the soft spoken Vihari.
Vihari has had a decent start to his Test career
Vihari has been decent in overseas conditions for Team India. He made his debut in England in 2018 and amassed 552 runs in nine games at an average of just under 37. Notably, he has played all his Tests abroad. "I have the self belief and the team believes that I have the technique to get success in overseas conditions," he said.
Vihari had recently struggled against New Zealand
Vihari has four half-centuries and a ton in total for India overseas. In the Tests against NZ, Vihari got scores of 7, 15, 55 and 9. India struggled as a side in New Zealand and went on to lose the Tests 2-0. With the next series lined up against Australia in 2020-21, Vihari has his work cut out. He needs to perform ably.
