Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Manish Pandey replaces Vinay Kumar as Karnataka captain

Vinay Kumar has done a great job leading Karnataka in Ranji Trophy over the years but with the age not on his side, the Karnataka State Cricket Association(KSCA) decided that the team needs a younger captain. KSCA announced that Indian batsman Manish Pandey will be the captain of the state team across three formats in the domestic circuit.

The right-handed batsman is 29 years old and has experience of leading the team. He was appointed as the captain of the team in the middle of Vijay Hazare trophy this year. Earlier KSCA had refused to comment on the captaincy arrangement for the Ranji Trophy.

According to the reports, KSCA delayed the decision because they were unsure about the Pandey’s availability. However, Sudhakar Rao, the secretary of the association, confirmed the news before the game between Karnataka and Chattisgarh.

Manish Pandey the best choice to take the team forward

Sudhakar Rao claimed that the appointment has been made keeping future in mind. He added that Pandey’s availability throughout the season strengthened his case while revealing that Vinay was also consulted before making the appointment. The KSCA secretary said that Vinay Kumar is committed to the team and he is ready to play under anyone.

“Keeping the future of Karnataka cricket in mind, the selectors felt that we should start grooming another captain and Manish was the best choice. It also works that he is available for the rest of the season. We consulted Vinay as well and given his commitment to the sport and the team, he said he was willing to play under anyone. We have a good leadership group and it augers well for the team,” Rao told TOI.

Vinay Kumar was part of the process

Vinay Kumar said that he was also a part of this process. The fast bowler admitted that he realized that he had to gradually hand over the baton and termed Pandey as a very good friend. He further added that he would be ready to help the new captain by giving his inputs.

“I was part of this (selection of captain) process. I knew I had to gradually hand over my captaincy to someone suitable. Manish is a good friend, I will keep giving my inputs. He is a wonderful guy and definitely will lead the team well. I was definitely blessed with a superb team. I just worked with the coaches to define each member’s role and all of them responded. Our team never depended on a single individual and that was key to our success,” the former skipper said.

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