At just 22 years of age, Karnataka all-rounder
The youngster credits his fearless approach to the guidance of Karnataka coach Vinay Kumar, who encouraged him to play his natural game without the burden of expectation. Having spent three years in the Under-23 setup and gaining experience in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, where he claimed 22 wickets to help the Hubli Tigers secure the 2023 title, Kumar is well-versed in the demands of batting with the tail. He views himself primarily as a bowling all-rounder, though he maintains a strong desire to contribute higher up the order in the future.
A Foundation Built on Family and Mentorship
Kumar’s path to professional cricket was paved by a supportive family environment in Mysuru. His father, S. Lakshmi Kumar, a former bus driver for the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, fostered a deep appreciation for the sport in his sons. From a young age, the elder Kumar introduced his children to the greats of the game, famously pointing out icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to inspire their development. Today, his elder brother, Hemant Kumar, serves as a vital mentor, providing technical feedback and keeping a watchful eye on his progress.
Beyond his family, Kumar points to former India batter Manish Pandey as his primary idol, citing Pandey’s attitude toward the game as a major influence during their time together at the Hubli Tigers. His development has also been shaped by a series of dedicated coaches, including Mansoor Ahmed at the Mysore University Colleges Sports Council and Yere Goud, who was instrumental in identifying his potential as a genuine all-rounder during the Karnataka Premier League. This support system has allowed him to navigate the physical challenges of a demanding domestic schedule, with Kumar emphasizing the importance of recovery protocols like ice baths and pool sessions to maintain his performance levels.
Adapting to the Demands of the Game
Transitioning between the red-ball and white-ball formats presents unique challenges, particularly for a fast-bowling all-rounder who can clock speeds around 135 kph. Kumar notes that while his batting intent remains consistent regardless of the format, his bowling requires a more nuanced adjustment. Shifting from the swing-focused requirements of the longer format to the disciplined, hard-length bowling needed in T20s takes time, but he is learning to find his rhythm quickly. As he prepares for Karnataka’s upcoming match against Tripura, the young cricketer remains focused on his craft, balancing his intense training schedule with downtime spent watching anime.
