Hanuma Vihari makes U-turn, returns to Andhra cricket after political intervention

India batter Hanuma Vihari has made a massive U-turn in his domestic career to return to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), just months after vowing to "never play for Andhra again."

The middle-order player had accused the ACA of political interference and of humiliating and hurting his sentiments during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Vihari had started the season as the captain but stepped down midway, with Ricky Bhui taking over the reins in the middle of the tournament.

Ironically, he cited getting full support from the state's new ruling party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), as one of the reasons for his change of heart.

"I'm so happy to meet minister Nara Lokesh gaaru [TDP general secretary] today, and he assured me that I will have full support coming back to Andhra Cricket Association," Vihari told reporters on Tuesday (via ESPNcricinfo).

"I am so happy meeting him, and I have got full assurance after meeting him. I understand his aspirations for the Andhra Cricket Association. It's good to be back in Andhra cricket. What I faced in the last couple of years was a lot of humiliation. I lost my self-respect. I wanted to leave Andhra Cricket Association and move to another state, but I've now got the assurance. So I am looking forward to coming back and serving Andhra for a long time to come," he added.

The controversy centered around Hanuma Vihari allegedly shouting at a squad player after a match, who was also the son of a politician. Vihari and the player had exchanged a ton of barbs on social media and in interviews in the coming days.

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Madhya Pradesh upset with Hanuma Vihari's decision

While the news could bode well for Andhra, it has left a bad taste for the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association. Head coach Chandrakant Pandit was said to have spoken to Vihari about joining his state and the move was deemed to be imminent after ACA gave the senior batter a Non-Objection Certificate. Now, his U-turn might have burned that bridge for the foreseeable future.

Hanuma Vihari started his domestic career with the neighboring Hyderabad in 2010-11, before moving to Andhra in 2015-16, where his performances led to his India Test debut in 2018. He returned to Hyderabad for a short while in the 2021-22 season before moving to Andhra again as the captain.