Vinay Gupta

Vinay Gupta was born on 7th August 1986, in the bustling cityscape of Mumbai, where cricket is not just a sport but a fervent religion. Gupta’s early cricketing journey was one characterised by passion and determination. Like many of his compatriots, he honed his skills in the narrow lanes and open maidans of the city, where the cricket ball often danced to the rhythm of children's dreams.

The early 2000s marked a significant turning point in Vinay's life when he was spotted by a local coach while playing a district-level tournament. His ability to consistently hit the right spots with his medium-fast deliveries and his remarkable knack for swinging the ball both ways quickly set him apart. Vinay’s adaptability was soon to be his greatest asset when he debuted professionally for his state team at the age of 19.

Over the years, Vinay’s career blossomed, characterised by numerous milestones. One of the pinnacles was his instrumental role in clinching the Ranji Trophy for his team, where his combined haul of seven wickets in the final even drew praises from former cricketing legends. International recognition followed, but it was his electrifying performance against arch-rivals Pakistan in an ODI series that truly etched his name in cricketing folklore. His five-wicket haul in the decisive match turned the tide for India, adding a vibrant chapter to his storied career.

Gupta's bowling style, an intriguing blend of discipline and unpredictability, made him a constant threat. He could torment batsmen with late swing under lights and unfurl subtle variations, particularly his deceptive slower deliveries. Although primarily admired for his bowling prowess, Vinay was no slouch with the bat. His adaptable batting approach often saw him rescue his team with quickfire lower-order innings, adeptly switching between careful defence and aggressive strikes as per the match situation.

Throughout his career, Vinay faced fierce rivalries, most notably with players from Australia, a country he considered as posing the ultimate challenge. These encounters, filled with banter and fierce competition, often brought the best out of him. His final over in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal against Australia, where he held his nerve to seal a thrilling victory, remains etched in fans' memories.

Vinay Gupta's enduring legacy lies not only in his records but in the way he played the game—with heart, flair, and an unyielding spirit that epitomised the very essence of cricket.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats