'Fresh challenge': Hanuma Vihari joins Tripura after leaving Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: Hanuma Vihari, remembered more for his heroic rearguard effort against Australia at the SCG in 2021 than even his series-topping 289 runs in the West Indies in 2019, has decided to make a fresh start in domestic cricket. The 30-year-old middle-order batter will leave Andhra Pradesh and represent Tripura in the 2025-26 season across formats.Confirming the move, Vihari released a statement on social media. “After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to move to the Tripura Cricket Association, where I’ll be representing the state in all three formats of the game. While I’m grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association for the role they’ve played in my journey so far, I believe it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently across formats. Excited for this fresh challenge and fully committed to giving my best in this next phase,” he wrote.Vihari last played a Test for India in 2022 but has remained on the fringes since. After the 2023-24 domestic season, he openly accused the Andhra Cricket Association of favouritism and expressed his desire to move elsewhere. His wish finally materialised this season with the Tripura switch.The Hyderabad-born cricketer made his Test debut in 2018 at The Oval, scoring a half-century against England. But it was in Sydney in January 2021 that Vihari etched his name into Indian cricket folklore. Battling a hamstring injury, he produced a dogged unbeaten 23 off 161 balls, sharing a marathon partnership with the now-retired R Ashwin. The effort helped India salvage a draw after being set a daunting 407, before the visitors sealed a historic series win at Brisbane.In 16 Tests, Vihari has scored 839 runs at an average of 33.56, with 111 being his highest score. His domestic record is even more formidable, with over 9,500 runs in 131 first-class matches at 49.92, including 24 centuries and a highest score of 302.As he begins a new chapter with Tripura, Vihari will hope the move brings consistency and renewed opportunities in his cricketing journey.