Explorer

Vinay Kumar harbours India dream through Karnataka

“My main aim is to win Ranji Trophy for Karnataka,”

Disciplined. Determined. Among many, these two adjectives immediately strike when you look at Vinay Kumar. And when you turn your look into observation, watch him bowl, follow his drills, it becomes even more justifiable.

“My main aim is to win Ranji Trophy for Karnataka,” Vinay Kumar had told Wah Cricket not once but thrice, in last week of November when he was in New Delhi to play Karnataka’s last group league match against Railways. Three weeks later, he swung his side one-step closer to the trophy with controlled seam movement both in the air and off the pitch against a formidable Mumbai batting line-up in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal on Thursday.

Seven-eight steps, then a nice leap culminating into a smooth high arm release– Kumar had specially modified his run-up five seasons back. That same style yielded maximum results for the Karnataka captain as he became the tenth bowler to claim a Ranji Trophy hat-trick for his state, that too in his 100th appearance.

“I had changed my run-up five years ago… That has enhanced my strengths of hitting the good areas. When I started playing cricket Anil Kumble told me that if you bowl wicket-to-wicket, there is a better chance of getting the batsman bowled or LBW.”

On Thursday though, only one of Kumar’s six victims fell into the bowled/LBW category. It was his hat-trick ball that came back in sharply after pitching on off stump to trap Akash Parker right in front. Other than that, he relied more on the away going delivery.

Kumar’s 6 for 34 on helpful conditions in Nagpur crippled Mumbai but if you ask him, he finds bowling on flat pitches more challenging.

“In Ranji Trophy, most of the time we get flat pitches. So there is no option but to bowl as close to the batsman as possible, that’s where your real test comes.”

The quarterfinal performance is obviously not a flash in the pan, he had sneered a six-for right at start of the season against Maharashtra and he has been consistent throughout. He even emerged as the highest wicket-taker last season, yet his name never came up for discussion in the selection meeting.

“See, now I have realized I just need to play cricket. It’s not always about performance; it’s about how you conduct yourself, how you keep yourself fit.”

After a pause he continues, “I am very happy with my own performance. Obviously the ultimate dream is to make a comeback for India. I have been getting wickets… scoring runs. Got the best all-rounder award this year but haven’t really got my dues.”

Kumar’s last appearance for India was an ODI against Australia in November 2013. He led Karnataka to successive Ranji Trophy titles right after that. But the call-up remained elusive.

However, the determined and disciplined Vinay Kumar lived to fight another day. And will continue to fight for his India spot and work towards winning Ranji Trophy for the third time.  

 

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Caste Census, Rs 3,000 For Women, Unemployment Allowance: Congress Announces 5 Guarantees For Maharashtra
Caste Census, Rs 3,000 For Women, Unemployment Allowance: Congress' 5 Guarantees For Maharashtra
Bahraich Violence: Allahabad HC Poses 4 Questions To UP Govt Over 'Buldozer Action'
Bahraich Violence: Allahabad HC Poses 4 Questions To UP Govt Over 'Buldozer Action'
'Surrounded By Urban Naxals, Less Of A Congressman': Fadnavis Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Red-Covered Constitution
'Surrounded By Urban Naxals, Less Of A Congressman': Fadnavis Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Red-Covered Constitution
PM Modi Congratulates 'Friend' Donald Trump On Crossing Majority Mark, Shares Pics With Him
PM Modi Congratulates 'Friend' Donald Trump On Crossing Majority Mark, Shares Pics With Him
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

US Presidential Election 2024: 'I Will Fight for Your Future' Says Trump After Election VictoryUS Presidential Election 2024: 'Thank You to the American People,' Says Donald Trump After VictoryUS Presidential Election 2024: Donald Trump’s Address After VictoryUS Presidential Election 2024: 'We Will Make America Great Again,' Says Donald Trump After Victory

Photo Gallery

Embed widget