Vaman Viswanath Kumar, a renowned orthodox leg spinner hailing from India, is still cherished by cricket enthusiasts for his exceptional skills on the field. Despite facing several setbacks from the selectors, Kumar managed to establish himself as one of the finest spinners of his time, earning the title of the logical successor to Subash Gupte.
Kumar’s mastery over spin, impeccable line and length, and ability to deceive batsmen made him a formidable force in the cricketing arena. His glorious journey began with stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy, ultimately leading to his Test debut against Pakistan at New Delhi during the 1960-61 season. In that match, he almost single-handedly bowled India to victory with impressive figures of five for 64 and two for 68.
Continuing his trailblazing run, the leg spinner prepared for the next Test against England in the following season. Unfortunately, fate dealt him a cruel blow as an injury threatened his participation. However, regardless of his physical condition, Kumar was compelled to play due to England’s historical vulnerability against leg spin bowling. Regrettably, he failed to deliver the same scintillating performance as his previous outing, remaining wicketless while conceding 70 runs. Remarkably, this turned out to be his last Test appearance.
Kumar’s omission from future matches, despite his consistent performances, is often associated with the emergence of BS Chandrasekhar, another talented leg spinner who seemed to have secured a firm position in the national team. Nevertheless, Kumar remained a remarkable bowler throughout the 1960s and well into the 1970s, displaying his unwavering passion for the game.
In 1970-71, Kumar etched his name in history by becoming the first bowler to claim 300 wickets in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Four years later, he again made headlines by surpassing the 400-wicket milestone, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful bowlers in Indian domestic cricket. Such extraordinary achievements exemplified his unwavering determination and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Following his illustrious playing career, Vaman Viswanath Kumar shifted his focus to nurturing future talents and sharing his invaluable knowledge of spin bowling. He established the MAC Spin Academy in Chennai, which serves as a breeding ground for aspiring spinners, where they can benefit from Kumar’s expertise and experience.
Despite his limited international appearances, Vaman Viswanath Kumar’s contribution to cricket extended far beyond the boundaries of fame and recognition. His sheer love for the game, coupled with his extraordinary skills, cemented his place in Indian cricket history. Even today, cricketing enthusiasts reminisce about his magical spin and remember the time when Kumar dominated the cricket pitch with his incredible talents.
