Hanuma Vihari in for Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian vice-captain has struggled to score big runs this year. During the recently concluded England tour, he played only two innings of note- an 81 and a 51 on the whole tour. Against Windies in the first Test also, he just made 41 runs and his lack of big runs has not gone unnoticed.
It might be a good thing to give him a break and try out Hanuma Vihari in his place. A break might do wonders for Rahane, who will be a key player in the tour to Australia; while Vihari will get a chance to solidify his claim for a middle-order spot after his debut 50 against England.
Given that Vihari can also bowl a few overs, might tempt the team management to play him as the Hyderabad pitch tends to favor spinners and if Vihari’s turn comes to bat, he could set himself for a big one.