Hanuma Vihari makes a U-turn and returns to Andhra following a conversation with the new ruling party

Unpopular India hitter Hanuma Vihari promised that he will never again play for Andhra in his lifetime. After a violent altercation in the dressing room with KN Prudhvi Raj, a player, and the state association, the decision was made. Vihari, 30, complied with the request to relinquish his captaincy shortly after the event. But Hanuma decided to separate himself from Andhra cricket after making several statements following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Over the following several months, Vihari had negotiations with the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and there were rumours that he might join the squad. Up until the state elections in Andhra, everything appeared to be proceeding as planned. Following the party’s June 2024 election, Vihari spoke with one of their officials, which significantly influenced him to reverse his stance.

Hanuma Vihari affirmed that he will continue to serve Andhra for years to come, as he feels the government and association’s backing once more. Though he thought back to those humiliating days, he wanted to move on and concentrate on restoring Andhra to its former glory.

“Mr. Nara Lokesh gaaru [the general secretary of the TDP] gave me his undivided support when I returned to the Andhra Cricket Association, which makes me very happy. After meeting him, I feel completely assured, which makes me quite happy. Vihari told reporters, “I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association.”

“I’m happy to be back playing Andhra cricket.” I’ve endured a great deal of humiliation over the past few years. My self-respect evaporated. I had intended to relocate out of the Andhra Cricket Association and into another state, but now that I had the guarantee. I therefore look forward to returning and continuing to serve Andhra for a very long time,” he continued.

See what Hanuma Vihari has recently said here:

మంత్రి నారా లోకేష్ గారితో భేటీ కావడం చాలా సంతోషంగా ఉంది. ఆంధ్రా క్రికెట్ అసోసియేషన్‌‌లో నా పునః ప్రవేశం గురించి చర్చించాను. ఏపీలో క్రికెట్, క్రీడల అభివృద్ధి కోసం నా సహకారం అందిస్తాను.

-హనుమ విహారి, టీం ఇండియా క్రికెటర్#LokeshStandsWithHanumaVihari#NaraLokesh #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/X91GIxq6bM

— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) June 25, 2024

Following his change of heart, MPCA is not happy with Hanuma Vihari.

Though they were kept in the dark for a considerable amount of time, MPCA disapproved of Hanuma Vihari’s choice. In 2023, the cricket player had discussions with MPCA as well, but nothing came of it. This is the second time in the last two years that MPCA’s agreement with Vihari has fallen through.