Cricket
Vinay Kumar Reflects on His Career: “More Opportunities Could Have Made a Big Difference, But I'm Grateful”
India has historically been a country with immense batting talent. From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, India has produced numerous world-class batters over the years. However, bowling, especially pace bowling, was usually their weak link until recently. But there were a few bowlers who left an impression with their skills. Vinay Kumar, a right-arm medium pacer, was one of them.
Vinay Kumar//Getty Images
Born in south India’s Karnataka, Vinay was one of the most successful fast bowlers in the domestic circuit but ended up playing only 31 ODIs, 9 T20Is and a solitary Test for India. The 40-year-old currently playing in the Legends League Cricket (LLC)-- a franchise-based T20 league for retired players in India– agreed that he could have achieved more if given opportunities.
“If you look back (into) my first-class career, I am the highest wicket-taker (among fast bowlers) in India’s domestic cricket. Had I gotten more opportunities (at the international level), I would have definitely done better but unfortunately, I didn’t. Sometimes you need to be very happy with whatever you get from your cricket career. I have no complaints. God has been very kind, and I am happy with wherever I am today,” Vinay Kumar told SportsBoom.com.
Kumar emphasised on importance of playing cricket as a professional irrespective of the level.
At the end of the day, you need to play cricket, even if you are not able to play for your country more, wherever you get the opportunity, be it domestic cricket or wherever. I love to play cricket and whenever I get the ball in hand or go out to bat, I try my best to perform for my team,
Vinay Kumar
Vinay Kumar IPL career
Vinay was known for swinging the ball both ways. He had developed quite a few variations, which often helped him bowl in high-pressure situations. The pacer had a decent Indian Premier League (IPL) career as well, where he played for top franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Favorite memory of Vinay Kumar
When asked to pick his favourite cricket moment of all time, Vinay said, “Making my debut in the 2010 T20 World Cup in West Indies is my favourite moment. When you start playing cricket, your goal remains to represent your country and when it is fulfilled, you feel really happy.”
Kumar announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket in 2021 and has since been appearing in leagues for retired cricketers. He ended his international career with just 49 wickets across the formats despite having a whopping 504 wickets to his name in 139 first-class matches.
Mohsin Kamal is a senior journalist from Kashmir and reports on all major sports events from India.