Hanuma Vihari makes U-turn, set to play for Andhra team in Indian domestic cricket

Earlier this year, Hanuma Vihari stated that he would never play for the Andhra Pradesh team.

Right-handed batter Hanuma Vihari has decided to reverse his decision and has now confirmed that he will continue playing for Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket.

During the Ranji Trophy 2023/24, Vihari was asked to step down as Andhra’s captain in the middle of the season because he had allegedly shouted at one of the extras who was the son of a politician.

The 30-year-old Vihari alleged that the politician pressurized the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association (ACA), and the state board asked him to resign from his post of captaincy.

After this, Vihari asked for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the ACA to play for another state team, which was granted NOC on June 4 and he was free to represent another state.

I have played for India representing Andhra: Hanuma Vihari

Five months after announcing his decision to leave Andhra, the right-handed batter Vihari has taken a U-turn. The 30-year-old has now confirmed that he will be playing for the same state team.

Vihari’s decision to stay with the Andhra Pradesh team comes after the change in government, which is now run by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). After the new government took charge, all office-bearers of the ACA resigned.

While talking about his decision to play for the Andra state team. Vihari expressed that his commitment to play for the state remains strong. The 30-year-old further added that he is happy to continue to play Andhra after being persuaded by members of the new government.

“I have played for India representing Andhra, so my commitment to state cricket remains strong. There were reasons for my initial decision to leave, but I have been persuaded to stay. I feel valued for my contributions and am happy to continue playing for Andhra,” Vihari told Cricbuzz on Wednesday.

“After the recent elections and change of government, Lokesh requested that I stay on, and I have agreed. I am ready to do everything for Andhra,” he added.

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