Andhra Pradesh skipper Hanuma Vihari’s stay at the crease was cut short by a well-directed bouncer from Madhya Pradesh pacer Avesh Khan on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy 2023 quarterfinal at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
During the first session of Day 1, Avesh’s bouncer hit Vihari on the left wrist as he could not get his bat on ball playing the pull shot. Vihari was in discomfort straightaway and the phsyio rushed to his aid.
The Sydney draw hero who battled hamstring and batted through the pain against Australia’s lethal fast-bowling lineup, tried to swing his bat a couple of times but decided to walk off the field.
The 29-year-old was immediately taken to the hospital for scans. The scan revealed fracture in his left wrist.
Vihari was batting on 16 off 37 deliveries including three boundaries when he got retired hurt. Andhra top-order failed to fire and they needed a partnership after Vihari got injured. Wicketkeeper-batter Ricky Bhui and Kirdant Karan Shinde grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
They shared an unbeaten 204-run partnership on Day 1. Bhui scored his second century of the year. He remained not out for 115 from 200 deliveries including 12 fours and one six. On the other end, Shinde took a more defensive approach. He scored 83 runs from 222 deliveries including nine fours and one six. At the end of Day 1, the score was 262/2 from 88 overs.
The partnership between Bhui and Shinde needs to continue as Andhra would like to post a mammoth first innings total in the absence of Vihari who is unlikely to bat for the rest of quarterfinal. However, there have been instances when an injured batter has walked out to bat when necessary.
For Madhya Pradesh, Gaurav Yadav turned out to be the only successful bowler. The pacer got rid of openers CR Gnaneshwar and Abhishek Reddy in the first session.
