Vihari scored three consecutive half-centuries in the unofficial Tests against South Africa A.
With two weeks to go for the Test series, former India chief selector MSK Prasad has batted for Hanuma Vihari’s inclusion in the playing XI after the latter’s recent exploits in India A’s tour of South Africa.
According to Prasad, Vihari deserved a chance to play at home against New Zealand in the recently-concluded Test series as well but pointed out that the touring South Africa with India A did him good.
Vihari, who last played for India in the Sydney Test earlier this year, scored three consecutive half-centuries in the unofficial Tests against South Africa A in Bloemfontein.
"First, of all, he was deserving of a place in the squad for the New Zealand series at home. I think since he was not going to get an opportunity, they would have sent him for India A tour. Now in the 2nd unofficial Test, he has hit two (three) half-centuries. Yes, having somebody who has done well in away series in England, Australia and West Indies. If you are looking at a youngster, then Hanuma Vihari should be played," Prasad told India Today.
"A lot depends on what they are expecting from the player, the role he is going to play. Hanuma Vihari is a guy who is solid in his technique. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer is someone who can bring in a little aggression.
"So it all depends on the batting order and what kind of role that the team management expects of their middle-order batter. Based on that, one of them can be given an opportunity," he added.
Hanuma Vihari was part of the India squad during the England tour but he didn’t get an opportunity in the playing XI. Questions were asked when Vihari was overlooked for the home series against New Zealand and Shreyas Iyer, who got an opportunity to bat in the middle order, went on to hit a ton and fifty on his Test debut, giving the team management a selection headache.