Back to school, Vihari recollects formative years

India Test cricketer Hanuma Vihari visited his alma mater, St. Andrews School in Hyderabad, for a felicitation ceremony on Tuesday.

India Test cricketer Hanuma Vihari at St. Andrews School (Bowenpally) in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Hanuma Vihari went down memory lane when he stepped into the St. Andrews School (Bowenpally) here on Tuesday after a decade. He learnt his cricket basics here, courtesy his mentor and coach K. John Manoj, before wearing the state colours and then, India whites.

Vihari recalls that it was here (pointing to the ground) that he first attended the school team selections and couldn’t perform well. “Those days I used to bowl a lot as there were fewer chances of batting for long. But, thanks to John sir I was picked in the eleven and that was just the beginning,” he said.

“I can’t think where my career would have headed but for the support of St. Andrews school management and sir in my formative years. This is where a very strong foundation was laid for me and I am grateful to each and every one in this school for always backing me,” said the 25-year-old Vihari, who played four Tests for India.

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Vihari advised the young children to chase their dreams with all sincerity, commitment and passion.

“It is not just that you dream and leave the rest for others. The onus is on you to put in the kind of effort which should take you to the next level. The key to success is to be prepared for the opportunities that may come your way. Then, you should not be found wanting,” he said, amid a roar of applause, at a felicitation ceremony in the school.

Vihari with the school kids and their teachers.

 

On his career, Vihari informed Sportstar that even as his long-term goals are to cement his Test place and gain a berth in the ODI side, the immediate target is to do well in the coming IPL for Delhi Capitals, having played for two seasons earlier with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“I don’t think I have to make any serious changes to my batting to play in the IPL. It is all about mental framework. If I ensure that, I don’t think I will have any problems in scoring. Somehow, the Australian Test series changed my perception and attitude. I am better off now to face any challenges without any inhibitions,” he concluded.