Vihari scored 289 runs in the two Tests against the West Indies. So far, he has played all his Test matches outside India and after this particular stint, he is looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd in the upcoming three-match series against South Africa beginning October 2.
“I have not played a Test at home, looking forward to it. It's great to play in front of the home crowd back in India,” said Vihari.
The 25-year-old, who lost the opportunity to score his first Test ton in Antigua (93 in the second innings), made up for it by scoring his maiden Test century in the first innings in Jamaica and followed it up with an unbeaten 53 in the second innings.
“It feels great to score my maiden Test century. I missed out on a hundred in the last match, so I was focusing on a big score this time. We were 200 for 5 and that was my goal while batting with Rishabh (Pant),” Vihari said.
“We had to be patient on this wicket as there was something in it for the fast bowlers. I was trying to take calculative risk against spinners, that was the game plan and it worked well for me,” he added.
Meanwhile, India skipper Virat Kohli also praised the Andhra batsman and said: “I think the find of the series was Hanuma Vihari. The way he's batted under pressure especially, and on a much more challenging wicket here in Jamaica than in Antigua.”
“I think his skill sets were outstanding. I think his temperament and technique were top-notch and he countered everything the opposition threw at him. Very, very pleased with the way he has come about,” said the Indian captain.