In a surprising turn of events, Hanuma Vihari, the stalwart in Team India’s batting lineup, has chosen to part ways with his home state side Andhra. This decision comes in the wake of a tumultuous altercation with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), marking the end of Andhra’s journey in the Ranji Trophy 2024 after a nail-biting quarterfinal loss to Madhya Pradesh by a mere four runs.
Captaincy Controversy Unfolds
Hanuma Vihari commenced the season as the captain, displaying his leadership prowess. However, the joy was short-lived as he was later asked to step down. In the pivotal quarterfinal match, Vihari contributed with a mere 14 runs (27) in the first innings but roared back with a resilient half-century of 55 runs (156) in the second innings. Unfortunately, the valiant effort proved insufficient as Andhra fell short in the chase, ending their campaign.
Instagram Revelation: A Player’s Dilemma
Post the heart-wrenching loss, Hanuma Vihari took to his official Instagram handle to share his thoughts on the season. His post revealed the underlying reasons behind his decision to bid adieu to the Andhra team. One striking revelation involved an incident with a substitute player, who happened to be the son of a local politician.
Political Interference and Unjust Actions
Vihari shed light on a moment during the first game against Bengal where he admonished the 17th player. This player, it turned out, was the son of a local politician. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged, and the politician-father pressured the association to take action against Vihari. Despite Andhra’s remarkable feat of chasing 410 against Bengal, Vihari found himself relinquishing the captaincy without any fault of his own.
Discontent and Humiliation: Vihari Speaks Out
Expressing his discontent with the ACA’s handling of the situation, Vihari shared, “I felt embarrassed, but the only reason I continued playing this season was out of respect for the game and my team.” He expressed his disappointment in the association’s belief that players should unquestioningly follow their directives, overlooking the contributions of seasoned players.
A Resolute Decision: Goodbye to Andhra
In a decisive statement, Vihari declared, “I’ve decided that I’ll never play for Andhra where I lost my self-respect. I love the team. I love the way we’re growing every season, but the association doesn’t want us to grow.”
Final Thoughts: A Departure for Dignity
Hanuma Vihari’s departure from Andhra signifies more than just a player leaving a team. It’s a poignant stand against political interference and unjust actions that compromise the dignity of the sport. As Vihari bids farewell to Andhra, his decision echoes a resounding call for fairness and respect within the realm of Indian cricket.
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