In the recent past, Karnataka has been the land of bowlers, as far as Indian cricket is concerned. In fact, there was a time in the 90s when the Indian bowling attack meant Srinath, Prasad, Kumble, Joshi; all from Karnataka. Yes, the likes of Rahul Dravid and Robin Uthappa have also made their mark, in different ways and formats, as batsmen. But, more often than not, the national team has seen some genuine quality bowlers from this State in the past couple of decades. Continuing that tradition is the current Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar, who has already played in all the three formats for the national team.

This hard working pacer achieved a number of records last week, as Karnataka defended their Ranji Trophy title by thrashing Tamil Nadu in the final at Wankhede. Vinay, one of the newest members of the Mumbai Indians squad going into IPL-8, spoke about his domestic season, his performance in the final, his ambition to get back in the national side, and of course the upcoming IPL season, in an exclusive chat with mumbaiindians.com.

About a brilliant Ranji season…

Vinay: “It’s a great feeling to win the Ranji title again. It was a big dream to win it last season for the entire team, as we had not won it for 15 years. It was a total team effort, everybody contributed to the team’s success, and I am really happy with it.” About his own performance….

About his own performance…

Vinay: “I was happy with the way I bowled, finishing as the joint highest wicket-taker for the season. I achieved a number of milestones in the final, becoming only the second cricketer after Vijay Hazare to take five-wickets and score a hundred in a Ranji final. Then, to become the first ever captain to do so, it was great. I am motivated to make a comeback in the Indian team, and hopefully cement my place in the side. It’s a goal, and I am constantly working towards it.”

About his century in the final…

Vinay: “I started my career as a batsman, but things turned around a bit later. But I usually used to get less time to bat, I probably never had that sense of scoring a hundred. I had a few opportunities in the past, but wasn’t able to convert those good knocks. But this time (in the final), I tried to take one ball at a time, tried to stay in the present. I never imagined to bat that many number of balls (319) in an innings. We didn’t want to give any chance to Tamil Nadu to come back in the game, and that’s what I was thinking while batting.”

About the upcoming IPL season…

Vinay: “Wankhede is one of my favourite grounds. We just won the Ranji title here last week, and even in IPL, when I was playing for other teams, I have done well here. It’s a good ground, where pace bowlers get some help, and so do the batsmen. I am really looking forward to play my home games here this season, and to continue my good showing here.”

About joining Mumbai Indians…

Vinay: “I am looking forward to this opportunity. There is so much I can learn from someone like Malinga, who is one of the best. Then there is Tendulkar, Kumble, Ponting. I am really looking forward to learn a lot of things from these guys. Ponting, for example, has won back to back World Cups as a captain. I can learn a lot from him as a captain.”