R. Vinay Kumar poised to become Karnataka head coach

BENGALURU: Former India and Karnataka pacer R. Vinay Kumar is all set to be appointed as Karnataka's new head coach, in a development published on August 06, 2026. He is expected to take the position vacated by Yere Goud.

Vinay has 442 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. He captained Karnataka to back-to-back Ranji triumphs in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Karnataka has not tasted title-winning success in red-ball cricket since those victories.

Yere Goud, who vacated the post, guided Karnataka to the Ranji Trophy final last season and has since moved to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence as a batting coach.

As a precursor to the 2026-27 season, Vinay recently held a fast bowlers camp, which saw participation from the likes of V. Vyshak and Vidwath Kaverappa.

The KSCA Managing Committee is expected to ratify Vinay’s appointment in the coming days, formalising the coaching change ahead of the 2026-27 season.