Pawan Kalyan bats for cricketer Hanuma Vihari!

pawan kalyan bats for cricketer hanuma vihari

Well known middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari recently disclosed that he was asked to step down from the captaining the Andhra team after just one match in the Ranji Trophy due to political interference.

Vihari said, “…This post is about some facts I want to put forward. I was the captain in the first game against Bengal, during that game I shouted on 17th player and he complained to his dad (who is a politician), his dad in return asked the Association to take action against me. Although, we chased 410 against last year’s finalists Bengal, I was asked to resign from captaincy without any fault of mine.

“I never said anything on a personal note to the player but the association thought that player was more important than the guy who gave his body on the line last year and batted left handed, took Andhra to knock outs five times in the last seven years and played for India in 16 tests.

“I felt embarrassed but the only reason I continued playing this season (was) because I respect the game and my team. Sad part is association thinks that players have to listen to whatever they say and players are there because of them.

“I felt humiliated and embarrassed but I’ve not expressed it out until today. I’ve decided that I’ll never play for Andhra where I lost my self respect. I love the team. I love the way we’re growing every season but association doesn’t want us to grow.”

Now, amidst the unfolding drama in Andhra cricket, Pawan Kalyan has shared a tweet expressing his support for Vihari.

In his tweet, Kalyan highlighted Vihari’s remarkable contributions, mentioning his representation in 16 Test matches, scoring five half-centuries and a century, particularly remembering his heroics in the Sydney Test against Australia.

Kalyan criticised the Andhra Cricket Association for forcing Vihari to resign as captain due to the influence of a YCP Corporator with no cricket background.

He questioned the prioritization of a local politician over an accomplished Indian cricketer, terming it a shameful act.

Addressing the Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kalyan questioned the purpose of spending crores on events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the state cricket association humiliates and insults the Andhra Cricket Team Captain.

Pawan Kalyan took to his X and wrote, “Represented our Bharath in 16 Test matches, scored five half centuries and a century, his heroics in sydney test against Australia is unforgettable. As Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team captain, helped Andhra team to qualify for the knockouts five times in the last seven years. From playing with a fractured hand to an injured hamstring, Hanuma Vihari always gave his everything for Bharath and for Andhra Pradesh in the domestic circuit.

“And today, Andhra Cricket Association forced Vihari to resign from the captaincy just because a YCP Corporator wanted it. A local YCP politician with no cricket background is more valuable than an Indian cricketer & Andhra Pradesh Ranji Team Captain to our Andhra Cricket Association. What a Shame!”

“Mr.Jagan Mohan Reddy, What is the point of spending crores of money in events like ‘Adudaam Andhra’ when the State Cricket Association humiliates and insults our Andhra Cricket Team captain? Dear Hanuma Vihari garu, firstly you have been a champion player for the state and for the nation. We thank you for your services and for inspiring young kids and players in Andhra. All Telugu cricket loving people feel pained and hurt with the treatment meted out to you by our state association and we stand with you. Last but not the least, wishing you the very best and I hope you will play for Andhra again next year with a State Board that knows to respect and treat players with dignity,” he added.