Acing The Test

Hanuma Vihari’s performance against the West Indies has given his fledgling career a boost

- Rahul Devulapalli

Hanuma Vihari was baptised by fire upon joining the Indian Test team. He debuted last year against James Anderson and Stuart Broad in cold England and next faced the lethal Mitchell Starc and co in Australia. He played well under pressure, but a flashier Rishabh Pant—who was also debuting in the England series—hogged the limelight. Months later, under the warm Caribbean sun, Vihari, 25, came to the party. He scored 289 runs in two Tests, including his maiden Test century (111), and powered India to a series victory against the West Indies.

Days after the feat, Vihari was back home in Kowkoor, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, where THE WEEK caught up with him. Though visibly tired, the batting all-rounder ensured that he did not miss the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in his colony. He was part of the procession, took selfies with the children and asked them what they thought of his century. He was a regular youngster in the crowd, unaffected by the sudden fame.

Back home, clad in a T-shirt and track pants, he said he was yet to unpack. He then glanced at a huge suitcase that was partially open and had clothes spilling out. He had some extra luggage this time—a gift from his captain, Virat Kohli.