OTD | Former India pacer Vinay Kumar was born in 1984

Vinay Kumar is a seam and swing bowler who relies more on leg cutters, slower balls, and accuracy than outright pace. He was born on this day in 1984 in Davanagere, Karnataka. Vinay debuted for Karnataka in the 2004-05 Ranji Trophy season, swiftly ascending to their premier seamer. His breakthrough came in 2007-08, finishing as the second highest wicket-taker and earning an IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 2009-10, he starred with 46 wickets, guiding Karnataka to the final.

The 40-year-old earned a T20 World Cup spot in 2010, followed by a US$475,000 deal with Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011. After an impressive 2011 IPL and West Indies ODI series, he debuted for India in Tests. Despite a lackluster Test debut, he secured a USD 1 million contract with RCB in IPL-5 2012, emerging as their top wicket-taker for two seasons. However, criticism arose during Australia’s tour of India in 2013 for his expensive death overs performance.

Despite being omitted from the squads for the West Indies and South Africa ODI tours in November and December 2013, he continued leading Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, securing their 7th title. Displaying exemplary leadership, he emerged as the team’s top wicket-taker with 29 scalps and showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten century. Additionally, he excelled in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading Karnataka’s bowling charts with 28 wickets and making valuable contributions with the bat. His outstanding domestic performances earned him a lucrative contract with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2014 IPL auctions.

Vinay Kumar was veteran in domestic circuit 

The standout highlights of the season for the Karnataka native occurred when he successfully defended 9 runs in the final over, securing an unexpected victory for KKR against RCB, ultimately contributing to Kolkata’s championship win. Vinay had an outstanding year, securing numerous titles. Similarly, Karnataka maintained their winning streak, securing a treble of Ranji, Vijay Hazare, and Syed Mushtaq Ali titles for the second consecutive year under his leadership.

In 2015, Mumbai Indians acquired him from Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite limited appearances, Vinay’s inclusion proved beneficial as MI secured their second IPL trophy. However, his luck waned in subsequent domestic seasons, leading to criticism of his leadership. Karnataka’s inability to progress in the Ranji knockouts prompted Vinay to relinquish the captaincy to Manish Pandey. In 2019, after guiding Hubli Tigers to their first KPL title and serving Karnataka for nearly 15 years, Vinay Kumar opted to leave the state, joining Puducherry.