'Formidable Cricketer, Third Highest Wicket-taker': RCB Inducts Vinay Kumar Into Their Hall of Fame

Former India pacer Vinay Kumar has joined an elite group within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Vinay was unveiled as the latest inductee during their Unbox event on Tuesday, March 19.

He is now seated alongside the likes of West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle and South Africa batter AB de Villiers as the only three Hall of Famers in the club’s history.

Vinay’s addition to this list comes at the back of the five full seasons he spent in Bengaluru while putting up some incredible numbers for the three-time IPL finalists. RCB sent out a post on X, congratulating Vinay as they wrote, “Formidable cricketer. Our third-highest wicket-taker. We’re celebrating Namma Vinay Kumar as we engrave his name on the elite list. – RCB Hall of Fame.”

Vinay Kumar debuted with RCB in the inaugural season of the tournament back in 2008. His two stints at the club lasted from 2008 to 2010 and 2012 to 2013. He was impressive in the 2012 and 2013 seasons, ending the campaigns as RCB’s top wicket-taker with 19 and 23 scalps, respectively. He is also the third-highest wicket-taker in the franchise’s history with 80 dismissals. Yuzvendra Chahal takes the first place on this list with 139 wickets followed by Harshal Patel’s 99 wickets. In his decade-long IPL career, Vinay Kumar has taken 105 scalps in as many matches.

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Vinay Kumar made his debut with India back in 2010 on May 11 in a T20I game. He went on to play nine games in the format while also representing the Men in Blue in 31 ODIs and one Test match. The bowler scalped a total of 49 wickets in these matches. While Vinay’s international career might not be as impressive, the bowler did show up on multiple occasions in the IPL. The player has represented multiple franchises in the tournament’s history including the likes of Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kochi Tuskers. However, he is mostly remembered for his time with RCB.

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Speaking of RCB, the Faf du Plessis-led side will be competing in the IPL 2024 opener scheduled this Friday. They will face last edition’s champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. RCB had failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, having finished their campaign in sixth place. They will be looking to start on a winning note early to improve their chances of making the knockouts this year.