Antigua: Indian Test all-rounder Hanuma Vihari, who made a substantial contribution to India's 318 runs win in the first Test of two-match series against the Windies scoring 93 runs in the second innings, said that he is also working on his bowling as he wants to play the role of the fifth bowler for the team.
"It is important that my off-spin keeps developing, not only for myself but for the team as I fit into the team just because of that combination. I'm trying to keep on improving and getting better at it. So, hopefully, I will get more overs and help the team in future," Vihari told reporters in a post-match conference.
Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane built a crucial partnership of 135 runs in the second innings that helped India set a daunting target of 419 runs for the Windies to win the match.
"Rahane was helping me out with the way bowlers were bowling because he batted for a long time in the first innings as well. He was helping me out with what the wicket was playing like," Vihari said.
"I came here early with India A team so I had that experience of these conditions and that came handy for me. I know how the wicket would play and I was fortunate enough to get those runs for the team," he added.
Jasprit Bumrah played a major role in India's biggest ever Test win in terms of runs as he clinched five wickets in the final innings of the match. It was an amazing sight to see him roaring back to form after struggling to get his rhythm right in the first innings of Antigua Test.
"Bumrah was not happy with his performance in the first inning himself and he thought he did not bowl up to his standards. He was quite fired up in the second innings. He is a champion bowler. We did not play Test in the last six months so he was struggling in the first innings to get his rhythm back," Vihari concluded.
India will face Windies in the second Test at Sabina Park in Kingston from August 30.
