Vinay Kumar starts as Karnataka coach as Ranji Trophy campaign opens in Mulapadu
R. Vinay Kumar begins his first tenure as Karnataka coach this Sunday when the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra is played in Mulapadu near Vijayawada, tasked with ending a title drought that stretches back to Karnataka’s consecutive wins in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The match starts his bid to restore the state’s previous Ranji success with an eight-time champion side that will be without several regulars.
Vinay led Karnataka as captain during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 Ranji triumphs and enters coaching with a notable playing record, holding 442 scalps as the leading wicket-taker among speedsters in the competition. His recent roles include coaching assignments in the UAE’s ILT20 where he worked alongside Kieron Pollard, and a stint as a talent scout at Mumbai Indians, experience he brings into his new job.
Karnataka will be missing frontline pace options for the Andhra game after injuries ruled out Prasidh Krishna, V. Vyshak and Vidwath Kaverappa. Availability will be further affected by national call-ups: K.L. Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and R. Smaran have been selected for India and India-A duties and will be absent for extended periods.
Regular captain Devdutt Padikkal, currently playing against Australia-A, is unavailable for the weekend fixture and is expected to miss the next three matches because of the New Zealand tour. K.L. Rahul and stand-in leader R. Smaran are likely to depart after the Andhra game 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. “At the same time, there will be a gap in experience. “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. “We have to keep the atmosphere relaxed and make them enjoy the process. Overall, it is a great opportunity for others to grow as cricketers.”
Wise counsel will be available from former team-mates and Ranji winners Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Gopal, who played under Vinay, and he commented on their role: “It’s great to have them. They were part of Karnataka’s glory days, and they know how to win. They will also have a role in taking care of the up-and-coming cricketers, making them understand what it takes to win trophies for Karnataka. Sometimes there is a big difference between a message going from a coach and from a colleague.”
Karnataka open their Ranji campaign against Andhra in Mulapadu on Sunday, with departures for the New Zealand-A series expected to follow the Andhra fixture and Padikkal set to miss at least the next three matches. If the team assimilates the guidance available, the article notes, success will not be far.
