Vinay Kumar appointed as head coach for Karnataka, preparing for his return to the team.

BENGALURU: In a significant development for Karnataka cricket, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has appointed former Indian fast bowler R Vinay Kumar as the head coach for the upcoming season. At 42 years old, Vinay, who is recognized as the most successful captain in Karnataka's cricket history, has received approval from the Cricket Administrative Committee (CAC), which includes notable figures such as Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Joshi, Javagal Srinath, and Venkatesh Prasad. His appointment, along with the rest of the coaching staff for both men's and women's teams, is set to be confirmed during a managing committee meeting anticipated on August 13.

Vinay Kumar, who has also served as a talent scout for the Mumbai Indians and was the bowling coach for MI Emirates in the ILT20, is expected to become the highest-paid coach in KSCA history. The Karnataka team, which recently finished as runners-up in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, is currently undergoing a transition, integrating several young players into the squad, with Devdutt Padikkal taking on the captaincy role.

With a wealth of experience, Vinay has represented India in all three formats and has captained his state team to seven major domestic titles, accumulating 504 first-class wickets across 139 matches at an impressive average of 22.44, including a record 442 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Recently, he coached the Hubli Tigers in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament and has already begun engaging with the team's fast bowlers, including Vyshak Vijaykumar and Vidwath Kaverappa, with plans to conduct a session for spinners soon.