Breaking a partnership is like a five-for to me: Vinay Kumar

33-year-old R Vinay Kumar hasn’t given up yet as he still nurtures hopes of representing his country. Kumar was expensive during the series against Australia, four years back and he didn’t ask too many questions to the batsmen with the ball in his hand. Kumar, who is leading the Karnataka unit in the Ranji Trophy, is focussing on the fitness as well as his stock delivery.

Kumar said more than getting a five-for, it pleases him when he breaks a partnership. In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, he also said that he finds happiness in the small things and that helps him to work hard “Bowlers are always happy to take five wickets. I’m the kind of bowler, who when a partnership needs to be broken, I’ll be happy to come in and get a wicket. That’s like getting five wickets for me. These small moments are what I enjoy very much. Breaking partnerships is a huge achievement for me. Indian team is always at the back of my mind, but I try to seek happiness from such small things and it makes me work harder on my game.”

Performance wise I don’t doubt: Vinay Kumar

The pacer, who has done well at the domestic level consistently assured that he will be patient with his game.”Last three years, I got two awards from BCCI: best bowler award (highest wicket-taker in 2014-15 Ranji Trophy) and best all-rounder award (in limited-overs cricket in 2013-14). Performance-wise, I don’t have any doubt that I can come back into the Indian side, but I need to wait for an opportunity.

He stressed on setting goals as it helps him achieve big things. He likes facing challenges and that is what brings out the best in him. “There are two ways of looking at it – one, get frustrated and try to do something that you’re not used to, or second is to keep it simple and keep doing what you have been, try to enjoy your cricket and whenever you get the opportunity, try to perform and raise your goals a little higher. You may or may not reach the goal, but that kind of challenges and motivates you to go out and perform. At the end of the day, when I go back to my room, I should be happy about the way I bowled. That feel-good factor is very important for me.” he said.