Vihari will be busy playing in the Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru on Wednesday when the next WTC cycle kicks off in the Caribbean as he leads South Zone against West Zone. ‘There was definitely disappointment,’ Vihari told The Indian Express about the circumstances under which he was dropped from the squad. I couldn’t find a reason why I was dropped and that was the only thing that bothered me. No one contacted me and told me why I was dropped. It’s been a while, I’ve been through the ups and downs, and it doesn’t bother me now. I have put the personal side of things aside and am not too worried about whether I will be in the Indian team or not. There are other matches to win and it’s about winning trophies, Vihari said.

Last Saturday, soon after South Zone defeated North Zone in a thrilling semi-final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in M Chinnaswamy, Vihari was asked about the fluidity of his batting in the second innings where he scored 43 runs after 42 innings. It is a misconception that I bat slowly, Vihari replied with a smile on his face. It’s a perception he has been fighting all along. One of the reasons Vihari was left out of the lineup was a leak that the team is now looking for players who can show more initiative. No one talked about it, but it all came down to strikeout again, which Pujara had to contend with.

Test cricket can be played in different conditions

Determination and usthe way I led Andhra, and even here. I am very happy to be a part of another Duleep Trophy final, Vihari said.

As India enters a period of transition, Vihari has been given another opportunity to try his hand at the top level. Vihari is still only 29 years old, but his technique and temperament are almost unflappable. Soon after the new selection panel took office earlier this year, one of the selectors contacted him and confirmed that he was part of their future plans. A good game this season is all Vihari needs.