Aakash Chopra backs Hanuma Vihari in fight with Andhra Cricket Association

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra threw his weight behind Hanuma Vihari amid the ongoing dispute between the player and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). Vihari, in an explosive social media post, revealed that he was asked to step down from captaincy due to political interference. Vihari had said that he was asked to leave captaincy after he shouted at KN Prudhvi Raj, who was the 17th player in the squad and a politician’s son. Vihari even shared a letter that was signed by his teammates and requested ACA to continue with the India cricketer as the skipper of the side. As per India Today, ACA stated that players were forced to sign the letter “under threats.”

The whole team knows! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l5dFkmjGN9

— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) February 26, 2024

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Speaking on these conflicting views in a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Mud-slinging is happening, the blame game is happening from both sides. From a players’ fraternity, you want to trust the player always. Hanuma Vihari is not just any player. He batted for Andhra with one hand when he had a fracture in his hand.”

Also read| Why did batting all-rounder quit Andhra captaincy and what was the 'political interference'?

Chopra stood in solidarity with the player and said that Vihari has had an extraordinary journey and played a big role in Andhra qualifying and fostering team unity. “I have huge respect for him, whether it was the Sydney match where he played with a torn hamstring and put his career on the line, and then he batted one-handed for Andhra. I would want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari’s version,” Chopra added. The cricketer-turned-commentator asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene and find a resolution.

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Chopra said that Vihari’s decision to distance himself from Andhra is an indication of the strained relationship with the association and the player should be free to explore opportunities with other teams in the country as a seasoned professional.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, asked Vihari if he wanted to come on to his channel and speak about the entire issue. Fans are eagerly looking forward to the conversation between the two cricketers.

Kutty stories with ash “ Vihari Garu “ Meeru ready unnara ???? @Hanumavihari

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2024

Ashwin and Vihari were instrumental for India during the Sydney Test in the last Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020–21. Vihari has played 124 First-Class matches as well as 16 test matches for India in his career so far.