New Delhi: Former Indian fast bowler Vinay Kumar has been named Karnataka’s head coach for the upcoming domestic season on Thursday, August 13. The 42-year-old will replace Yere Goud in the role, while former Karnataka batter Deepak Chougule will be part of his support staff as fielding coach.
This marks Vinay’s first stint as Karnataka’s head coach after he recently guided Hubli Tigers in the Maharaja T20 Trophy. He also has coaching experience in franchise cricket, having worked as the bowling coach with MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20. After announcing his retirement from international and first-class cricket in 2021, Vinay joined Mumbai Indians as an IPL talent scout.
Karnataka will start their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Andhra on October 11. The previous season’s runner-up has been placed in Elite Group B of the tournament along with Andhra Pradesh, Saurashtra, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Tripura, Punjab and Assam.
The first phase of the Ranji Trophy Elite will start from October 11 to November 5, while the second phase will be played from January 17 to February 4. The knockouts will begin between February 9 and March 3. For the Plate division, the second phase will end on January 20, with the final taking place from January 24 to 28.
Vinay Kumar’s career
Vinay is the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the Ranji Trophy with 442 scalps and fifth highest overall in the tournament’s history. Overall, he picked up 504 first-class wickets in 139 matches at an average of 22.44. After making his international debut, Vinay led Karnataka to an unprecedented double-treble, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup from 2013 to 2015.
He has played one Test, 31 ODI matches and 9 T20Is for India, and took 49 wickets. Vinay has also been part of the IPL-winning teams at Kolkata Knight Riders (2014) and the (2015 and 2017).