The discarded middle order batter last played a Test match in July 2022 and is currently plying his trade in the Ranji Trophy for his home team, Andhra.

Having made his Test debut in 2018 at the Oval, Vihari was used at various positions in the batting order, including as a makeshift opener in Australia. Rarely getting consistent opportunities, particularly in home Test matches, Vihari was eventually dropped after he failed to put together regular big scores. His current Test average is 33.56 from 16 games, with one hundred and five fifties to his name.

India are in the middle of a five-Test series against England which stands level at 1-1 after two games. Missing several first-choice batters in the middle order after Virat Kohli was ruled out of the first two matches and KL Rahul missed the second game injured, the selectors chose Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan above Vihari, both of whom did not have a Test cap before the series.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfoon the sidelines of the Ranji Trophy clash between Andhra and Bihar, Vihari expressed his disappointment at not being in the Test squad.

“I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy,” said Vihari.

From seven innings in the Ranji Trophy this season, Vihari has scored 365 runs at an average of 52.14 with one hundred and two fifties. He expressed his desire to score more runs and make a comeback to the national team.

“The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team,” said Vihari.

The right-hander revealed that he has not had much communication from the board or the team management regarding his future with the India Test team.

According to Vihari, head coach Rahul Dravid was the only one who spoke to him after his last Test in July 2022. “No one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven’t been in touch with anyone since then,” Vihari said.

He emphasised, however, that his focus is on improving his game and score runs without much expectations. “But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don’t do that, there is no purpose left.

“When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs. I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen,” Vihari added.