Vinay Kumar’s maiden stint as Karnataka coach, which begins this Sunday with the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra in Mulapadu near Vijayawada, is both an opportunity and a challenge. R.
Regular captain Padikkal, who is currently playing against Australia-A, is not available for the weekend’s match, and is expected to miss the next three games too owing to the tour of New Zealand. “At the same time, there will be a gap in experience. Karnataka hasn’t won India’s premier red-ball tournament since the back-to-back triumphs in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and ending the drought will represent a full-circle moment for Vinay, for he was the skipper during those victories. Rahul and stand-in leader Smaran are likely to depart after the Andhra fixture, in time for the New Zealand-A series beginning on October 24.
“I am the happiest when players from Karnataka play for India and nothing makes us more proud,” Vinay told The Hindu .
He is not just a Ranji-winning captain, but also the all-time leader for wickets among speedsters in the competition (442 scalps). “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. Vinay’s pedigree should help. He has had coaching stints in UAE’s ILT20, working alongside players such as Kieron Pollard, and has been a talent scout at Mumbai Indians. If the team imbibes the right lessons, success will not be far.