Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari has reversed his earlier decision to leave the team and will now play domestic cricket for his native state of Andhra Pradesh. Five months have passed since Vihari publicly declared his intention to sever ties with Andhra cricket, citing loss of self-respect and political meddling.
Vihari’s choice has a lot to do with the most recent changes in Andhra Pradesh politics. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has changed state cricket significantly since taking control.
Vihari’s first desire to depart was prompted by the disputed removal of his captaincy by the previous Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) management. The right-hand hitter has represented India in 16 Test matches and has pledged his allegiance to the Andhra Pradesh cricket team.
“Since I represented Andhra in international cricket, I am still very committed to state cricket. I was initially inclined to leave for a variety of reasons, but I’ve been convinced to stay. I’m glad to be playing for Andhra and feel that my contributions are acknowledged,” Vihari said to
In addition to playing, the 30-year-old cricketer is willing to taking back team leadership. Before he quit, he had played in 37 Andhra games and captained the team each time. “If given captaincy, I will be happy to lead the state,” he stated.
I stayed in the game this season out of respect for it: Hanuma Vihari
Vihari’s previous exit was accompanied by intense feelings and words. He mentioned political meddling in the management and choice of the team. But there has been reconciliation as a result of the most recent political shifts.
“I’m never going to play for Andhra. My self-respect is gone. I never spoke to the player in a personal way. Nevertheless, the association decided that the player was more important than me, even though I helped Andhra win cricket throughout the years by representing India in 16 Test matches, among other things. At the time, he stated, “I felt ashamed, but I kept playing this season out of respect for the game.”
The cricket player expressed gratitude to important political personalities for their support throughout the unrest. In addition, the right-hand hitter declared that he is prepared to sacrifice everything for Andhra cricket.
“I received rapid support from Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister, and Mr. Lokesh Naidu, a minister and Chandrababu’s son. Lokesh asked me to stay on following the recent elections and government transition, and I complied. “I’m prepared to go above and beyond for Andhra,” Vihari declared.
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All ACA office holders have resigned collectively in the wake of the government transition. August 4th in Vijayawada is the scheduled date of a special general assembly to discuss these resignations and maybe call for fresh elections.