"Integrity To Game Speak Volumes": Chandrababu Naidu On Hanuma Vihari Row

Amid the ongoing controversy over Indian batter Hanuma Vihari's decision to leave the Andhra Pradesh Ranji Cricket team, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief and former Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu said this was an example of "Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party's (YSRCP) vindictive politics." On Monday, Vihari announced that he will "never play for Andhra" again in domestic cricket, accusing the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) of mistreatment that has left him "humiliated." Vihari made this revelation just after Andhra Pradesh's Ranji Trophy journey came to an end during the quarterfinals with a four-run loss to Madhya Pradesh.

Naidu took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his support and said that he stands firmly with Vihari.

It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh.

Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity…

"It's a shame that even the Andhra Cricket Association has succumbed to YSRCP's vindictive politics. @Hanumavihari, a brilliant Indian international cricketer, has been targeted to the point where he has vowed to never play for Andhra Pradesh. Hanuma, stay strong - your integrity and commitment to the game speak volumes. These unjust actions don't reflect the true spirit of Andhra Pradesh or our people. We stand with you, and we'll ensure justice prevails. #WeStandWithHanuma," Naidu posted on X.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Vihari levelled the allegations that he was forced to resign as captain following Andhra's opening-round match against Bengal back in January. During that time, he had cited personal reasons for