Indian middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari believes that being part of the side has enhanced his confidence. The 25-year-old, who notched a half-century on his debut at the Oval in September last year, was part of India’s historic series victory in and against Australia.
Vihari returned to domestic circuit and scored 114 and an unbeaten 180 for Rest of India against in the Irani Cup in Nagpur.
"Being with the team increased my confidence levels. Once you know you belong to the highest levels, you have the confidence of dominating domestic cricket in a way,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Vihari, as saying.
"Playing with the Indian side has taught me that you have to be decisive with your footwork, especially, with your defence. If you have confidence in your defence, then you can play shots accordingly. You can select which shot you want to play according to the ball. But first of all, you need to trust your defence," he said.
In spite of cementing his position in the Test squad, Vihari said domestic cricket would always be a priority."Domestic cricket has always been my grassroots. I have always known that I can score runs consistently in domestic cricket. I do not take my domestic cricket lightly. I play with the same intensity as international cricket,” Vihari said.
However, clinical Ranji champions Vidarbha reasserted their supremacy in domestic arena, beating a star-studded Rest of India to retain the Irani Cup, making it back-to-back seasons of double delight.
Vidarbha has now become the third team after Mumbai and Karnataka to clinch two Irani Cup titles in a row.
And in a touching gesture, Vidarbha captain Faiz Fazal announced that the entire prize money will be donated to the families of the CRPF personnel martyred in the dastardly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.
