Ranji Trophy: Hanuma Vihari hits triple ton to lead Andhra charge vs Odisha

Hanuma Vihari hammered 302 not out as Andhra declared at 584/4. Odisha were 32 /1 in reply in their Ranji Trophy Group ‘C’ match

Former India U-19 cricket team batsman Hanuma Vihari hammered a triple century to help Andhra move into a commanding position against Odisha on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Group ‘C’ match in Vizianagram on Wednesday.

Vihari hammered 302 not out as Andhra piled up 584/4 declared. In reply, Odisha were 32 for the loss of one wicket.

A member of the India U-19 team that won the World Cup in 2012 under Unmukt Chand, the right-handed batsman was expected to do well in subsequent years. He did play some good innings but failed to make a really huge impact for Hyderabad where he had trained under John Manoj, who had also trained VVS Laxman. He then shifted to Andhra for fresher pastures.

Leading his state side this year, Vihari scored 150 in the previous round against Baroda which helped his team take valuable three points on first innings lead.

The Andhra captain stayed at the wicket for over 11 hours, facing 456 balls while hitting 29 fours and two sixes during his knock. It was an innings that showcased high levels of concentration. He put on 270 runs for the second wicket with DB Prasanth and 208 for the third wicket with Ricky Bhui. Those two partnerships seems to have sealed it for Andhra.