Hanuma Vihari Seeks NOC from Andhra, Likely to Join Tripura for Upcoming Domestic Season

Hanuma Vihari, the seasoned Indian batter, has decided to switch teams ahead of the upcoming domestic season, signaling a new chapter in his prolific cricketing career. To make this move official, Vihari has requested a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), the team he has represented for several seasons. Over his First-Class career, he has amassed an impressive 9,585 runs, establishing himself as one of India’s dependable middle-order batsmen. His decision to seek a change reflects both his desire for fresh challenges and the opportunity to contribute to a different team environment.

Vihari confirmed that the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) has shown interest in acquiring him. Tripura, which will compete in the Elite division in both red-ball and white-ball formats, is keen to strengthen its squad with experienced professionals like Vihari. Tapan Lodh, a former TCA president and current member of the association, also noted that Vihari had been on their radar for some time. “We suggested a few players to the association to sign as professionals. I can’t reveal all the names, but I am confident Vihari will be one of them,” Lodh said. Vihari himself admitted that he had been contemplating a switch for a while and that Tripura’s interest came at the right time. “I was already thinking about changing teams, and Tripura has been approaching me for quite a while,” he told Cricbuzz.

Throughout his career, Hanuma Vihari has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He has played 131 First-Class matches and 97 List-A games. Specifically, for Andhra, he has featured in 44 matches, scoring 3,013 runs at an average of 44.97, including four centuries and 20 half-centuries. His journey in domestic cricket has seen him first join Andhra in the 2016/17 season, later return to Hyderabad, and then rejoin Andhra for the past few seasons. At 31, Vihari brings a wealth of experience, both as a run-scorer and as a senior presence in the dressing room.

Born in Kakinada, Vihari has also represented India in 16 Test matches, showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage. His leadership qualities were once recognized when he captained Andhra, though he was later removed from the position in a controversial decision that sparked discussions within the cricketing community. Despite these challenges, Vihari has produced numerous match-winning performances for Andhra. One of the most memorable came during the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, where he batted with a fractured left wrist, demonstrating resilience and commitment to his team.

Looking ahead, Tripura has been placed in Elite Group C for the next season of India’s premier red-ball tournament. This group includes competitive teams such as Services, Haryana, Bengal, Assam, Railways, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. With Vihari joining their ranks, Tripura will gain not only a technically sound batter but also a leader capable of guiding younger players and providing much-needed experience in crucial matches. His move is expected to bolster Tripura’s chances in the domestic circuit, while offering Vihari a renewed platform to display his batting prowess and make significant contributions to his new team.

This transfer marks a strategic step in Vihari’s domestic career, balancing the experience he brings with Tripura’s ambition to strengthen its team. As the new season approaches, fans and cricket analysts alike will be eager to see how Vihari adapts to his new surroundings and how his presence influences Tripura’s performance in both red-ball and white-ball competitions.