By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

The 22-year-old cricketer of Mysuru, L. Manvanth Kumar, who represents city’s RBNCC (Rao Bahadur Narasappa Cricket Club) team in KSCA Mysuru Zonal Leagues, has made it into the Karnataka Ranji Team that will be starting its Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign against Andhra Pradesh from today at Vijayawada.   

Manvanth, who is an all-rounder (left hand batter and right arm medium fast bowler) got inspired by his elder brother L. Hemanth Kumar, who has represented Mysuru Zone U-19 and U-23 teams. 

Having started his cricketing career under Coach Mansoor Ahmed at Mysore University Colleges Sports Council (MUCSC) at the age of 12, Manvanth later joined Gaames Cricket Academy in Vijayanagar in 2019 and started playing for RBNCC. His determination towards cricket helped him flourish. He not only represented Karnataka in various age group tournaments but was also drafted to Delhi Capitals for IPL-2024 season. His selection to Ranji Trophy team has not only come as a joyful moment for him but for the entire family as well.  

Manvanth is the son of S. Lakshmi Kumar and R. Sridevi Kumar couple, residents of JP Nagar in Mysuru.  

Star of Mysore caught up with Manvanth Kumar for a brief chat to know about his preparations for Ranji Trophy and future plans. Excerpts… 

Star of Mysore (SOM): How does it feel to represent Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy? 

Manvanth Kumar: I had a dream of playing in Ranji Trophy for Karnataka which has come true. I feel very happy. 

SOM: When you started, did you ever think that you would make it to the Ranji team? 

Manvanth Kumar: Like I said, I had a dream of playing Ranji Trophy and I knew one or the other day I will make it to the team. I was sure to play Ranji Trophy.  

SOM: Did this selection come as a surprise to you?  

Manvanth Kumar: It was a bit of a surprise. I was actually preparing for the Cooch Behar Trophy and I had never anticipated my selection into the State Ranji Team. It has definitely surprised me for which I would like to thank the KSCA management.   

SOM: So how was the reaction from your family? 

Manvanth Kumar: When the team was announced I was actually fast asleep. It was my family who woke me up to inform that I had been selected. Even my family members were quite surprised.   

SOM: Anything you wish to say about KSCA Mysuru Zone?  

Manvanth Kumar: Mysuru is the primary zone. It has given me a lot of opportunities to                       represent the team in various tournaments for which I would like to thank KSCA Mysuru Zone. 

SOM: Your elder brother Hemanth Kumar is also cricketer. How has he helped you in your journey?  

Manvanth Kumar: He is like a mentor. My brother has been that one person whom I go to at times when I am not picking up wickets and scoring runs. He has been there for me whenever I needed him. Having seen me play from the initial days, he knows where exactly I should be working and how I should change my thinking process.  

SOM: How has playing for Delhi Capitals and in Bengaluru League helped you?  

Manvanth Kumar: Playing for Delhi Capitals was a different experience. It helped in grooming and shaping myself. It was my first IPL experience. The team management guided me along with senior players sharing a lot of inputs. Swastic Union, which I represent in Bengaluru, has also helped me a lot. There are a few senior players who have always shared their experience and guidance. I approach the senior players for solutions which they have been providing always.  

SOM: Now that you have made it to the Ranji team, what is your plan going forward?  

Manvanth Kumar: I have simple goals. Whenever I am there on the ground, I give my 100 percent to win matches. I do have some personal goals but currently the main focus will be to win matches for Karnataka.