Hanuma Vihari, a prominent Test player no longer in the immediate Indian squad, is making a strong case for selection with back-to-back centuries in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. Representing Tripura, Vihari remained undefeated on 143 against Assam in Agartala on November 8, continuing his rich vein of form after scoring 141 against Bengal in the preceding round.
Vihari’s innings against Assam was a masterclass in temperament and execution. He navigated the bowlers with patience while also finding the boundary with regularity, finishing his unbeaten knock at 143 from 215 balls, studded with 17 fours and a six. Tripura reached a comfortable 316/4 by the close of play.
Having played 16 Tests for India, accumulating 839 runs, Vihari’s recent domestic exploits signal his determination to return to the international stage. His famous resilience in the Sydney Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he and Ashwin defended resolutely for over 40 overs, remains a memorable testament to his grit.
The Ranji Trophy’s fourth round also witnessed significant performances from Musheer Khan and Siddesh Lad, who guided Mumbai to 289/5 after an early collapse against Himachal Pradesh. Delhi struggled, bowled out for 211 by Jammu and Kashmir, who then lost three quick wickets. Kumar Kushagra hit a century for Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh enjoyed a productive day with hundreds from Madhav Kaushik and Aryan Juyal against Nagaland.