JOIN USR Vinay Kumar’s story is quite compelling. For a common man, it’s that ever-endearing story of a boy who dared to dream big. For a young cricketer, it’s an inspirational story that tells him not to stop at anything en route realising his ambitions.
Now, after a long journey accompanied by its share of tribulations and achievements, Vinay stands on the cusp of satisfying landmark. The Irani Cup match against Rest Of India, beginning here at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Tuesday, will be his 100th first-class match. The Karnataka captain was understandably elated, and made a quick look back at the paths he treaded.
“I am very happy. When I started playing my goal was to play in the Ranji Trophy because we had only heard about the Ranji Trophy. If you look at journey...when I started from Davanagere, playing for my home team there, the United Cricket Club, then played for Neptune Cricket Club with sir (B Siddaramu), and then got a chance to play for Vijaya Bank, it has been a long route. The hard work really paid off for me. I really hope I can perform once again for the team in this match,” said Vinay.
Such long and largely successful journeys will have many points of happiness, and Vinay’s too is not an exception. “There are a lot of good memories. Playing for India was a very proud moment for me, and it was a great experience to play for India. After making my Ranji debut in 2003-04, my next goal was to play for India. At the same time, leading Karnataka was also a very proud moment. Many legends have led this team in the past, and played for it. I am trying to follow their legacy. Then comes winning back to back Ranji Trophy and winning the Irani Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. There are many good memories are there. I can’t choose any particular one actually,” he said.
Just as any good leader, Vinay too leads his team by example. His pace colleague S Arvind said as much. “As he is a bowling captain, he is more experienced than any of us. He has played more numbers of matches and taken good numbers wickets. According to his bowling, the areas where he bowls is extraordinarily well, so we developed and cultivated that line and length with him and we share each others experience and that has helped us,” said the left-arm pacer.
But the biggest legacy Vinay would leave behind one day would be one of the finest streak of success in Karnataka’s rich cricketing history. But Vinay was more than happy to give credit to his teammates, again just like a good leader. “Karnataka have been doing well for the last few seasons. In domestic circuit, now Karnataka stand one step ahead of other teams. With the kind of players we have, yes, the opposition looks at us differently. But our duty is to play to our potential, and not worry much about opposition. The plus point about this team that we take one game at a time, and then look to win it,” he said.