Vinay Kumar on Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy campaign start

Vinay Kumar took charge of Karnataka as head coach on August 13, 2026, inheriting a squad that finished as runners-up in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. The team now prepares for their 2026-27 campaign opener against Andhra on October 11, facing significant absences due to injuries and national team commitments. Kumar brings extensive experience from his playing days, when he established himself as the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Ranji Trophy history with 442 wickets. He captained Karnataka to consecutive Ranji Trophy titles in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.

Since retiring from playing in 2021, Kumar has worked as a talent scout for Mumbai Indians and served as a bowling coach with MI Emirates in the ILT20 before taking charge of Hubli Tigers in the recent Maharaja T20 Trophy. His appointment comes at a time when Karnataka must manage multiple squad challenges for the Andhra fixture. Prasidh Krishna, V. Vyshak and Vidwath Kaverappa are unavailable due to injuries. Additionally, K.L. Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and R. Smaran will be absent for extended periods following India and India-A call-ups.

“I am the happiest when players from Karnataka play for India and nothing makes us more proud. At the same time, there will be a gap in experience. In that situation, it is my responsibility to make sure that the player [who comes in] gets used to the pressures of First Class cricket. The game remains the same but it is all about decision-making in the middle. We have to keep the atmosphere relaxed and make them enjoy the process. Overall, it is a great opportunity for others to grow as cricketers,” Kumar said as quoted by The Hindu.

Devdutt Padikkal is currently playing against Australia-A and will miss the next three matches due to a New Zealand tour. K.L. Rahul and stand-in leader R. Smaran are expected to depart following the Andhra match for the New Zealand-A series beginning October 24. These departures will test the squad’s depth and require younger players to step up in a competitive First Class environment.

The coaching staff will lean on experienced players who were part of Karnataka’s successful era. Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Gopal, who won the Ranji Trophy under Kumar’s captaincy, remain part of the squad. Kumar highlighted the value of having these senior figures in the dressing room, noting their understanding of what it takes to win trophies for the state.

“It’s great to have them. They were part of Karnataka’s glory days, and they know how to win. They will also have a role in taking care of the up-and-coming cricketers, making them understand what it takes to win trophies for Karnataka. Sometimes there is a big difference between a message going from a coach and from a colleague,” Kumar said.

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