I want to dominate like all big players do: Hanuma Vihari

After scoring a fighting half-century on debut in England, Hanuma Vihari, a prolific domestic run-getter with the best first-class average among current players in the world, has grown as reliable player for India.

Hanuma Vihari’s composure on his first trip to Australia as a Test player was impressive. After scoring a fighting half-century on debut in England, the 25-year-old middle-order batsman, a prolific domestic run-getter with the best first-class average among current players in the world, has grown as reliable player for India.

File image of Hanuma Vihari. (AP)

The Andhra batsman talks about his experience so far and on the road ahead. Excerpts:

You had eight years of domestic experience before getting an India call-up…

A Test call-up is something you earn playing Ranji and not IPL or any shorter format competitions. You have to keep persisting and scoring in the Ranji Trophy. Once I went into the Test squad, I knew I had lot of cricket behind me which I played for India A and Ranji Trophy.

Despite your consistency, you were snubbed many times in IPL auctions?

Initially, I felt bad. But when it happened year after year, I realised these are not in my control. My seniors said if I get an India call-up, IPL contract will be a by-product and that is what happened as I got selected by Delhi Capitals.

You were part of the 2012 U-19 World Cup winning team but made your senior India debut at 24?

If you play in the U-19 Indian team it will somewhat help you have that recognition. But as a player it will not help much because there is a huge gap between U-19, Ranji Trophy or international level. You have to grow as a player very quickly to get into the state side and then further. After U-19, I worked hard for close to 4-5 years. Virat (Kohli) was exceptional to get India call up very early after U-19 but I had to really work hard to get selected for the senior team because of many reasons.

How is international cricket different?

It is a combination of a lot of things. First thing is the pressure from outside. As a player you don’t want to let it affect you. In domestic cricket, you tend to get easy runs after a while, but in international cricket you have to keep working hard, keep believing that you belong to that level - you won’t get easy runs.

What was the team management’s brief in Australia? You had to open the Boxing Day test too…

They told me bat at No 6 and that’s where I played in the second Test. But when the openers were not clicking, I was told to open in the third Test. The management had confidence in me. Then Rohit was not there in the third Test and I was again told to bat at No 6. I wasn’t complaining. I thought it was an exciting opportunity to walk out to bat in front of that huge MCG. It was a chance to prove my skills. I did decent but run-wise I would have loved to score a 50 or 100.

How do you take this forward?

The management liked the way I was composed wherever I played, in Australia or England. Honestly, I think I can deliver in a big way. I am looking forward to the Tests that are coming up after the World Cup. Now that I have tasted international cricket, I don’t just want to contribute to the team’s success, I want to dominate like all big players do.

Are you insecure about competition for an India team spot?

I take pride in how I played in the four Tests. I just want to raise my standard. That is the attitude I want to carry. If the management thinks I will add value to the team, I will be selected.