Vihari dedicates maiden ton to late father, thanks Ishant for helping him keep his word

India's Hanuma Vihari dedicated his maiden Test ton to his late father, keeping a promise he made to himself right after he lost one of his favourites 13 years ago.

Apart from remembering his father, Vihari thanked bowler Ishant Sharma for batting, at times, better than the recognised batsman at the other end during their partnership in the second Test against West Indies.

The unassuming Vihari felt Ishant helped him keep his word.

"Actually, my dad passed away when I was 12 so ever since, I have decided that when I play international cricket I want to dedicate my first hundred to him," Vihari said after his career-best 111.

The 25-year-old added, "Today is an emotional day and I hope he is proud wherever he is and I'm really happy that I achieved that."
"Happy that I got a century and credit should go to Ishant. He looked more like a batsman today than me. The way he was going, we kept discussing what the bowler was doing and his experience really helped."
"I just wanted to bat patiently and wait for the balls which are in my area."