Hanuma Vihari Signs with Tripura for 2025-26 Season, Eyes Fresh Start and "Heaps of Runs"

India Test batter Hanuma Vihari has signed on as one of Tripura’s three professional players for the upcoming 2025-26 Indian domestic season. The move marks a fresh chapter for the seasoned cricketer after receiving a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), bringing an end to a turbulent stint with his home state.

Vihari, who was recently named Player of the Tournament in the Andhra Premier League, confirmed that the decision was driven by his desire to play all formats — something Andhra was no longer offering him.

“I was keen on other opportunities since I believe I'm good enough to play all three formats,” Vihari told ESPNcricinfo. “Andhra made it clear they were looking at youngsters for the T20 format. That was why I decided it didn't make sense playing even the 50-over format.”

Tripura’s offer aligned with Vihari’s ambition to contribute in a more rounded role. Though leadership hasn’t been confirmed, he is expected to play a pivotal part in the leadership group.

“As a senior player, I'll contribute whatever the team expects of me, from a leadership standpoint, whether I'm captain or not,” he said. “They've got some decent players. I wanted to play in a team where I can build [the squad], and be part of a setup that is hungry to challenge the bigger teams.”

Vihari’s decision to part ways with Andhra brings closure to a rocky relationship marred by controversy. After the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, he stepped down as captain following a public fallout with ACA officials and alleged political interference in team matters. Although he briefly considered a move to Madhya Pradesh ahead of the 2024-25 season, he was persuaded to stay by Nara Lokesh, a senior political leader in Andhra Pradesh. The move had left the MP Cricket Association displeased.

“For the last two seasons, I'd been talking of going out,” Vihari said. “This year they [Tripura] approached me first, and I felt it'll be a challenge worth taking up.”

While it’s been three years since Vihari last played a Test for India, the 31-year-old insists that a comeback is not on his mind — yet. Instead, his focus is on consistency and impact at the domestic level.

“My challenge is to take the team through. After 14-15 years of first-class cricket, I've certainly got that experience that I want to pass on,” he said. “But I'm not thinking of a comeback just yet. It's too far away. I want to score runs, important runs, and then take the team through. More than anything, I just want to enjoy my cricket and score lots of runs.”

During his time away from the national setup, Vihari dabbled in regional commentary and coaching, including a stint with the Madurai Panthers during the 2024 TNPL. His move to Tripura signals not just a change of scenery but a renewed hunger to contribute meaningfully on and off the field.

As Tripura looks to emerge as a competitive side in domestic cricket, Vihari’s experience and hunger for “truckloads” of runs may just provide the spark they need.