India vs Australia: ‘I have confidence that he will do well’ – MSK Prasad calls for ‘gutsy’ Hanuma Vihari to be promoted up the order

India vs Australia: ‘I have confidence that he will do well’ – MSK Prasad calls for ‘gutsy’ Hanuma Vihari to be promoted up the order
MSK Prasad
MSK Prasad

India‘s historic batting collapse at Adelaide has led to many questions. While the blame cannot be put on a single individual for the poor batting display. One might point out that one of the middle order batsmen had to step up and snap the trance. Especially, much was expected from Hanuma Vihari, who has risen through the ranks on the back of his superior technique.

Given the fact that he came off a scintillating ton in the second tour game, Vihari’s scores of 16 and 8 in the pink-ball encounter was a disappointing start to the tour for him. But MSK Prasad backs him to succeed in the series. He even went on to assert that the Andhra Pradesh batter should be promoted for the final three games of the series.

He has a very sound technique and temperament

Hanuma Vihari

Prasad feels that Vihari has the technique and temperament to succeed higher up the order. In captain Virat Kohli‘s absence, the middle order needs to step up. And the former chief selector of India feels Vihari is well suited for the job. Vihari has proved his prowess with the bat over the years. The lower middle-order batsman has one hundred and four half-centuries to his name. Prasad went on to back KL Rahul to return for at number six for the rest of the series.

“Vihari has a very sound technique and temperament and he can serve this Test team for a long time. In absence of Virat, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted,” Prasad told PTI.

“I would prefer Vihari batting at No. 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the challenge. He is a gutsy boy and I have confidence that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this series,” he said.

After the disastrous loss in Adelaide, reports suggest Shubman Gill, Rahul and Rishabh Pant might be brought in for the Boxing Day Test. With Mohammed Shami ruled out of the series, the pace battery might face some serious heat as the series progresses.

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