Focus key to Vinay Kumar's longevity and Karnataka's success

Everything that his team has touched has turned into gold for the past couple of seasons, but the skipper with a Midas touch, as always, is calm and composed, no distractions on his mind with his focus completely on what's coming next. While Vinay Kumar is geared up to play his 100th First-Class game when Karnataka take the field against Rest of India in the Irani Cup match starting from March 17 at the Chinnaswamy stadium, his demeanour remains the same, which is also the case with the rest of the team. The attitude of a champion is to stay grounded and look forward to challenges ahead. The current Karnataka side is the perfect embodiment of that attitude and its fine leader Vinay is as down to earth as they come.

"We want to win every game. We don't really think about the tournaments. We want to win every game and we are approaching this game too with the same mindset. This game will be big for all the players, as the selectors will be watching this game. So, we won't take any team or match lightly," Vinay said, on the eve of the Irani Cup clash.

Karnataka have won the Ranji Trophy for the second time in as many years, they have won the Vijay Hazare title twice in succession, along with one Irani Cup. They have been at their dominating best and have left no stone unturned in order to cement their place as the top side in Indian First-Class cricket. Such has been Karnataka's stupendous run that they are now several notches above other domestic teams in the country when it comes to quality and consistency and Vinay had no qualms in admitting that his side was one of the best.

While he agreed that teams now look at Karnataka differently, Vinay said it is further motivation for his side to build on their success."Definitely. Karnataka have been doing well for the last few seasons. In the domestic circuit, Karnataka now stand one step ahead of other teams.With the kind of players we have, yes, the opposition looks at us differently. But our duty is to play to our potential, and not worry much about opposition. We are not taking any match lightly. It is not like that we have won the Ranji Trophy and now we can relax a bit. The plus point about this team that we take one game at a time, and then look to win it."

When it comes to cricket in Karnataka, Bengaluru is considered the hub of activity and a place that churns out talented cricketers in numbers.However, other places in the state have also produced quality cricketers and Vinay hails from one such. For Vinay it has always been hard work, which he said has given him rich dividends and he recollected his cricketing journey that began in the city of Davanagere.

"I am very happy, obviously. When I started playing, my goal was to play in the Ranji Trophy because we had only heard about the Ranji Trophy. If you look at the journey... when I started from Davanagere, playing for my home team there, the United Cricket Club, then played for Neptune Cricket Club with sir (B Siddaramu), and then got a chance to play for Vijaya Bank, it has been a long route. The hard work really paid off for me. I really hope I can perform once again for the team in this match," said Vinay.

When asked about his unforgettable memories, Vinay said: "There are a lot of good memories. Playing for India was a very proud moment for me, and it was a great experience to play for India. After making my Ranji debut in 2003-04, my next goal was to play for India. At the same time, leading Karnataka was also a very proud moment. Many legends have led this team in the past, and played for it. I am trying to follow their legacy. Then comes winning back to back Ranji Trophy and winning the Irani Trophy and Vijay Hazare trophy. There are many good memories are there. I can't choose any particular one actually."

Considering what Vinay and Karnataka have achieved over the past few years, it is commendable that they have not let success come in their way when more teams would have gotten carried away. An inspirational leader, Vinay has taken Karnataka to new heights while his team-mates have walked hand in hand at every step. Their next aim will be to defend the Irani Cup, something Karnataka have failed to do in the past. He is set to join the likes of Brijesh Patel, Syed Kirmani and Sunil Joshi with 100 or more first-class appearances for Karnataka as well.

However, considering that this is a Vinay-led team, there is always history in the making.