'You are an inspiration, a true fighter': The cricket world bows down to Hanuma Vihari

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday displayed great courage as he came out and batted left-handed during the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on the second day of the match at Indore's Holkar Cricket Stadium, where Vihari was forced to bat despite being injured. Vihari was injured by an Avesh Khan bouncer on the first day of the match but had to take the crease earlier this morning to stop his team's collapse. 

The 29-year-old smashed a couple of fours to prevent his team from bundling up before lunch. However, Vihari couldn't protect the wicket for long as he was dismissed for 27 off 57 balls soon after the break. A video of Hanuma Vihari batting with his left hand is going viral on the internet. The video shows Hanuma Vihari batting with the number 11 batsman L Mohan with fast bowler Avesh Khan bowling. 

The cricket world bows down to Hanuma Vihari

From R Ashwin to Harsha Bhogle, the cricket fraternity bowed down to Vihari's grit to keep playing on for his state despite injury.

Meanwhile, netizens are lauding the Indian middle-order batsman for his courage and grit as he came out to bat despite being injured. Among those who reacted to Vihari's heroics are India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who dubbed his antics as "bravery to another level." 

"Hanuma Vihari Batting LEFT handed and also more importantly just with one hand , the top hand Bravery to another level," Karthik wrote on Twitter. "Hanuma Vihari batting with left hand due to the fracture of his wrist H.Vihari : A warrior and A champion," another user wrote. 

As far as the match is concerned, Andhra Pradesh were bowled out for 379 runs with Ricky Bhui and Karan Shinde scoring a century each. Madhya Pradesh are currently trying to close in on the first innings lead set by Andhra. They are batting at 36/0 with both their openers intact. 

Image: Twitter