NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has decided to relinquish the captaincy of the Andhra cricket team in the ongoing
Ranji Trophy
. His decision stems from a desire to channel his full attention towards enhancing his batting performance.
During Friday's Group B match between Andhra and Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, senior batsman
Ricky Bhui
assumed the captaincy role after Vihari stepped down. Vihari's decision, reported by the media, was driven by personal reasons, with a focus on elevating his batting performance.
In the season's opening Ranji game against Bengal, Vihari contributed 51 runs as the match ended in a draw, with Andhra securing three points for taking the first-innings lead.
Interestingly, before the season commenced, there were considerations of Vihari contemplating a move to Madhya Pradesh, fueled by a desire to play under domestic coach
Chandrakant Pandit
and rejuvenate his international career.
With 16 Tests under his belt, Vihari has amassed 839 runs at an average of 33.56, featuring a century and five half-centuries, including a top score of 111 against the West Indies in Kingston in 2019. Having made his Test debut at The Oval in 2018, his latest appearance was in Birmingham in 2022 during the England tour.
On the other hand, Bhui, in his 11th season with Andhra, showcased his prowess by scoring 175, marking his 15th first-class hundred, in the match against Bengal. Bhui's stellar performance provided Andhra with a 36-run lead over Bengal, setting a positive tone for their campaign in the tournament.
(With PTI inputs)
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