Hanuma Vihari to Rejoin Andhra Cricket Association After TDP Assurances

Hanuma Vihari, the out-of-favor India Test batter, is set to make a sensational return to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) after publicly declaring earlier this year that he would "never play for Andhra again." This U-turn comes after Vihari received assurances of full support from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the state's new ruling party.

Vihari's decision to rejoin ACA follows a lengthy public spat with the association after the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign. He had alleged "political interference" and "humiliation" as reasons for stepping down as captain at the start of the season. However, after meetings with TDP officials, Vihari has confirmed his return.

"I'm so happy to meet minister Nara Lokesh gaaru today, and he assured me that I will have full support coming back to Andhra Cricket Association," Vihari told reporters. "I am so happy meeting him, and I have got full assurance after meeting him. I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association."

Vihari's return to Andhra cricket has left the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) fuming. Vihari was in talks to play for Madhya Pradesh last year, but the move fell through. ESPNcricinfo understands that Vihari's contract as a professional with MPCA was a formality after he had held talks with Chandrakant Pandit, MPCA's director of cricket.

Vihari, 30, has played 16 Tests for India, scoring 839 runs at an average of 33.56. He has also represented Hyderabad and Andhra in domestic cricket. His return to Andhra is expected to boost the team's chances in the upcoming domestic season.

Tags: #HanumaVihari, #AndhraCricketAssociation, #TDP, #RanjiTrophy, #Cricket