R Vinay Kumar, a former fast bowler for India, has been named head coach of the Karnataka senior men’s cricket team for the 2026–2027 domestic season. The KSCA confirmed on Thursday, August 13, that all coaching appointments for the season’s men’s and women’s programs were made in accordance with the Cricket Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
With 442 wickets, Vinay is the most prolific seamer in Ranji Trophy history. Following his debut for India, Vinay led Karnataka to a double-treble, winning the Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy between 2013 and 2015. His body of work makes him one of the most seasoned players in the history of domestic cricket in Karnataka.
He played for India in 31 ODIs and one Test. He also played for the Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 2017 and the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, both of which won IPL titles. Former Karnataka batter Deepak Chougule has been announced as the senior men’s team’s fielding coach, completing the core support staff for the 2026–2027 season. The senior women’s fielding coach will be Rakshitha Krishnappa.
Vinay Kumar to Lead Karnataka in Cricket:
Vinay Kumar has played cricket both domestically and internationally. During one of the most prosperous times in the state’s history, he led Karnataka to a domestic treble that comprised the Irani Cup, the Ranji Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy between 2013 and 2015.
Rajshekar Shanbal is the fielding coach for the men’s teams, while Ganesh Satish has been named head coach of the Under-23 squad. With the help of bowling coach Raajoo Bhatkal, Kunal Kapoor will lead the Under-19 squad. The Under-14 men’s squad will be coached by M Guruprasad with K V Bharat as his assistant, while the Under-16 men’s team will be head coached by Adithya B Sagar with C B Karthik as his helper.
Mukunda G has been named head coach of the Under-19 team in the women’s age groups, with Roopa B N serving as assistant coach. The Under-15 women’s squad will have M Guruprasad as head coach and Chandu V as assistant coach. Srivalli has been named fielding coach for the Under-23 women’s squad, while Ameet will remain head coach. For the forthcoming domestic season, the appointments complete Karnataka’s coaching staff for the men’s and women’s senior and age-group teams.
