The last time Vinay Kumar played for India was at his home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, against Australia in the ODI series in 2013. Though India won the final match with Rohit Sharma striking his maiden double century, Vinay had a tough outing, conceding 102 runs in nine overs in the high-scoring affair. Much has changed since then with Vinay going back to domestic circuit and admirably leading Karnataka to two straight Ranji Trophy titles. He became the first captain in the history of Indian cricket to achieve the treble of the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in a year, in the 2013-14 season. And they defended their titles again in 2014-15. Known for his ability to pick wickets, Vinay also worked hard on his batting, adding another layer to his game. The 2014-15 Ranji season ended on a high note for him as he not only starred in the final with an unbeaten century and a five-wicket haul, but also finished as the joint leading wicket-taker with Shardul Thakur, with 48 wickets. Both fast bowlers received Madhavrao Scindia Award, given to the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, at the BCCI Annual Awards 2014-15. “I am really happy. It feels great to win the BCCI award for the second consecutive year. Last year (2013-14), I got the award for the best all-rounder and this time for being the highest wicket-taker. I have worked hard on my game and the award will motivate me to work even harder,” Vinay said.

The 31-year-old said his goal is to play for India again. “I am hungry and motivated to perform in every game. My ultimate goal is to play for India again. As a player, I am contributing both with the bat and ball. In the Karnataka Premier League, I even batted up the order. “I have a feeling that I will get a call soon, and when that happens, I am going to perform freely and make sure I cement my place in the team.” Vinay, who became the first Karnataka fast bowler to take 300 first-class wickets, is now just 11 wickets short of the 400-mark. “It is going to be a proud moment. I picked up my 300th wicket in the 2013-14 season, and now I am close to taking 400 wickets.” With improved fitness, Vinay has been bowling long spells and building pressure. He said that it was his duty as a captain to inspire others in the team. “My mantra is to give 100 per cent in whatever I do. Other players in the team will see that their captain is trying hard and they too will be motivated to give their best shot,” he said. Though Karnataka missed out on a knockout berth in the ongoing season, Vinay said winning the Ranji Trophy twice has been a highpoint of his career. “Winning the Ranji Trophy is everyone’s goal. It took me 11 seasons before I could lay my hands on the coveted Trophy. We had come really close to winning when we lost to Mumbai by six runs in Mysore in 2009-10. After we won the Ranji Trophy in 2013-14, many people said that winning again is going to be difficult. They said Karnataka’s performance will be closely followed and there will be more media attention. I had told the boys that we should play like champions and must retain the Trophy,” Vinay said.