India's Sydney Hero Makes Shocking Switch to Tripura Ahead of 2025/26 Domestic Season

In a surprising move, India’s hero in the Sydney Test of 2021, Hanuma Vihari, has made a switch to Tripura as a professional ahead of the 2025/26 domestic season. Vihari was on the verge of joining another state last year, but he's now finally made the move from his home state, Andhra Pradesh. 

Vihari revealed that the lack of opportunities across three formats influenced his decision to make the move. Most recently, the all-rounder finished the Andhra Premier League 2025 as the Player of the tournament, scoring 299 runs for Amaravathi Royals and smashing 34 fours, the most in the competition. 

"I was keen on other opportunities since I believe I'm good enough to play all three formats," Vihari told ESPNcricinfo. 

"Andhra made it clear they were looking at youngsters for the T20 format. That was why I decided it didn't make sense playing even the 50-over format, so I sat out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. I also wanted to play in a new environment."

Previously, Vihari was in talks to move to Madhya Pradesh before he was convinced to stay with Andhra Pradesh. 

"For the last two seasons, I'd been talking of going out [he'd been in talks with Madhya Pradesh], but I stayed back," Vihari said of the previous season. "I felt given the circumstances around me, and also where my own cricket is at, this was the best time to sign with an upcoming team. This year they approached me first, and I felt it'll be a challenge worth taking up."

So, is Vihari eyeing a comeback to the national team? 

"My challenge is to take the team through. After 14-15 years of first-class cricket, I've certainly got that experience that I want to pass on. But I'm not thinking of a comeback just yet. It's too far away. I want to score runs, important runs and then take the team through. More than anything, I just want to enjoy my cricket and score lots of runs."