Having gone unsold in the IPL 2020 auction, India batsman Hanuma Vihari wanted to utilise the summer playing county cricket in England but the Coronavirus outbreak has jeopardized his plans for the time being.
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"I was supposed to play four English county games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it's on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19)," Vihari told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old is optimistic 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 under control, I will be able to play those games. It will be a learning experience for me," he added.
In the last few years, the BCCI has given NOC to some top cricketers for county cricket. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane are some of the leading Test cricketers who have honed their skills in division 1 and 2 of English county.
Amid the COVID-19 concerns, Vihari recently played for his employers Nelson CC in the Tamil Nadu CA league. He scored 202 not out against Alwarpet CC in a drawn game.
"I work for Nelson and I am committed to play when I am available. It was good match practice. Now I am back in Hyderabad. I will be taking a break for the time being," he informed.
The Andhra batter had played a key role in India’s first-ever Test series victory Down Under in 2018-19. In a bid to solve India’s opening woes, Vihari was sent up the order to face the fearsome Aussie pace attack. He impressed one and all by seeing off the new ball at a jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Ground on the Boxing Day.
Hanuma Vihari was also the highest run-getter in West Indies tour last year and scored his maiden century (111) in Kingston to script India’s 2-0 series victory.
Incidentally, he has played all his 9 Tests in away conditions so far.
"I have the self belief and the team believes that I have the technique to get success in overseas conditions," he said.
Asked about the secret of his success, Vihari replied: "Adaptability. I believe I have been able to adapt well in all conditions and I have confidence that I can perform any role that the team assigns me."
(With PTI inputs)
