Former India pacer R Vinay Kumar is all set to return to Karnataka cricket as the State’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. The former captain, who led Karnataka through one of the most successful periods in its history, is set to replace Yere Goud, who has moved to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence as a batting coach.
Sources told PTI that Vinay’s appointment is expected to be ratified in the coming days, with his former Karnataka teammate Deepak Chougule set to join him as the fielding coach. Current bowling coach Mansur Ali Khan is also expected to continue in his role.
Vinay returns at a crucial juncture for Karnataka. The eight-time Ranji Trophy champions reached the final last season before falling to Jammu and Kashmir, while the squad is currently undergoing a transition under new captain Devdutt Padikkal as several young players begin to establish themselves in the senior side.
RETURN OF KARNATAKA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL CAPTAIN
Few players have left a bigger mark on Karnataka cricket than Vinay Kumar.
The former seamer captained the State to back-to-back Ranji Trophy triumphs in 2013-14 and 2014-15, becoming the architect of one of the greatest periods in Karnataka’s domestic history. Under his leadership, Karnataka also completed consecutive domestic doubles by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy in both seasons, while lifting the Irani Trophy twice as well.
Vinay’s influence extended well beyond captaincy. He represented India in all three formats between 2010 and 2013, playing one Test, 31 One-Day Internationals and nine T20 Internationals. Across his first-class career, he claimed 504 wickets in 139 matches, including a record 442 wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
Since retiring from professional cricket in 2021, Vinay has remained closely associated with the game as a commentator, talent scout for Mumbai Indians and bowling coach of MI Emirates in the ILT20. He also recently coached Hubli Tigers in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament.
NEW CHALLENGE BECKONS
Vinay’s immediate task will be to help Karnataka reclaim the Ranji Trophy, a title they have not won since he captained them to glory more than a decade ago.
Preparations are already underway. Vinay recently conducted a camp for Karnataka’s fast bowlers, attended by the likes of V Vyshak and Vidwath Kaverappa, with more pre-season sessions expected before the domestic campaign begins.
Karnataka enter the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season placed in Elite Group B alongside Hyderabad, Tripura, Andhra, Punjab, Assam, Saurashtra and Chhattisgarh. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent at his disposal, Vinay now returns to familiar surroundings hoping to restore one of Indian domestic cricket’s traditional powerhouses to the summit once again.
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