Follow UsFor the majority of his domestic cricket career, Hanuma Vihari batted at No.3 but had to play as a floater in his role for Team India. In the last 4 years, despite not performing badly, he has played only one Test before getting his chances in Mohali as a replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara. He has batted at No.3 with Shreyas Iyer replacing Ajinkya Rahane in the middle-order. Back at the top of the order, Vihari was a happy man and added a 90-run partnership with Virat Kohli, while ending up with a well-composed 58.
"Felt good going out in the middle. I was batting well, and I had a good preparation. Great opportunity batting at number three for India. I am happy to bat wherever the team wants me to, but my most preferred position is number three, I have done it in first class cricket," Vihari told host broadcasters.
After Kohli and Vihari went back to the pavilion, Rishabh Pant took the matter in his own hands and scored yet another 90 to help India to a strong position at the end of Day 1. Vihari was all praise for the Indian wicket-keeper and added that his innings has kept the side in a dominant position.
"I thought initially the ball was coming onto the bat well. But once the ball went old, it was difficult to time the ball well. Rishabh is a different kind of a batsman and it was a special innings. We all know how he bats, and it was a special innings today. He helped us get to 350+ on the first day, which will be helpful going forward," the Andhra batter added.