Hanuma Vihari set for a Madhya Pradesh move: Reports

Ahead of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, veteran batter Hanuma Vihari is set to move states from Andhra Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh. The 29-year-old’s decision is likely to be influenced by his lack of opportunity in the Indian red-ball unit, subject to a No Objection Certificate from the Andhra Cricket Association. 

Madhya Pradesh are already blessed with talented stars in the middle order, with Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer and Shubham Sharma. The addition of Vihari will give the state another captaincy option. According to ESPNCricinfo’s reports, the right-handed batter was keen to play under the tutelage of veteran coach Chandrakant Pandit. 

Just last year, Vihari was instrumental in Andhra’s success, with 490 runs in 14 innings with two half-centuries, including a heroic innings where he batted left-handed. Vihari also boasts an impressive red-ball record, with 8600 runs, including 23 centuries and 45 half-centuries, averaging 53.41. 

The reports also added that Madhya Pradesh are keen on adding the left-arm pace of Kulwant Khejroliya to their setup, with the duo being named in the probable for the upcoming domestic season. While Khejroliya has managed to make just 14 First-Class appearances, wherein he has picked up 32 wickets. 

However, it is the 50-over format where he’s been very impressive, with 61 wickets, at an average of 19.52.