Indian batter Hanuma Vihari on Sunday (13th March) talked about the pitch used for the ongoing pink-ball Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. He feels it’ll be difficult for the visitors to bat on Day 3. 

Although Team India are in the driver’s seat in the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka, the wicket hasn’t been easy to bat on. The hosts rode on Shreyas Iyer’s 92 in the first innings and posted a total of 252 runs on the board. 

The Rohit Sharma-led side then bundled out the tourists for just 109 runs and set a target of 447 runs for them to chase after declaring their second innings for 303 runs. 

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Hanuma Vihari played his role and scored hard-fought runs in both innings. Batting at No.3, he scored 31 off 81 in the first innings and followed it with 35 off 79 balls in the second innings. 

Speaking at the end of Day 2, Vihari while admitting the wicket was challenging explained that it will be difficult for Sri Lanka to bat on Day 3. He also talked about his batting and remarked that he trusted his defence. 

"It was quite challenging. A kind of wicket where any ball could get you out. It will be challenging for Sri Lanka tomorrow as well. I was trusting my defence even on this wicket. Got a good one in the first innings, could've shown more patience in the second innings,” he said. 

Hanuma Vihari further admitted that his side didn’t plan to bowl on Day 2 but after losing quick wickets they decided to bowl under lights and put pressure on the opposition. 

“Don't think we planned on bowling this evening, but because we lost wickets, we thought we could have a crack at them for 35-40 minutes,” he said. 

After setting a target of 447 runs, Jasprit Bumrah made sure that India end Day 2 on high as he removed opener Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck. At stumps, Sri Lanka were 28/1 and need 419 runs more to win the match and level the series. 

(ANI inputs)