Stuart Binny has established himself as a very useful cricketer for the Indian team, especially when wicket-to-wicket bowling all-rounder is in need. He has also maintained a regular place in the Karnataka Ranji team.
Binny first came into the limelight when he joined the Indian Cricket League (a private cricket league funded by Zee Entertainment). He represented the Hyderabad Heroes team and played a crucial role in their success. He is currently a part of the Indian Test squad in Sri Lanka.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the talented Binny.
1. Stuart Binny -The journey from father to son
Stuart Binny is the son of former Indian all-rounder Roger Binny, who is currently one of the members of the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was part of the Indian squad for the 2015 World Cup, just like his father in 1983 and 1987.
2. Stuart trained by Dad
Binny was born and brought up in Bengaluru. He attended middle school in The Frank Anthony Public School and high school in The St. Joseph’s Indian High School. His father Roger was the chief cricket coach of the school during this period.
3. Stuart Binny in the Spotlight
Binny made his Karnataka debut in the 2003/04 season but couldn't hold on to his position for long. His big break came in 2007 when he joined the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and played for the Hyderabad Heroes franchise.
Playing alongside some greats, Binny got the exposure which he needed with Hyderabad. In the league's first season itself, he marked his territory by scoring 804 runs at an average of 25.93 and claiming 17 wickets. He was regarded as the premier all-rounder of the tournament.
4. BCCI's Indian Premier League call
After accepting BCCI's offer and quitting ICL, Binny was bought by Mumbai-based franchise Mumbai Indians in 2010. Later, Rajasthan Royals' (RR) bought him in the year 2011 and he became a regular there.
His innings against Pune Warriors when he smashed unbeaten 32 off just 13 balls while chasing a target of 179 runs helped RR maintain their 100% win record at home. It was this innings that brought him into the media spotlight.
5. Stuart receives first India call
Binny established himself as a key player for Rajasthan Royals. After that, he didn't face much difficulty in the first-class arena as he became a regular face in the Karnataka. In first-class cricket, he averages close to 35 with the bat and almost 32 with the ball.
His consistency was rewarded with a national call-up and he made his one-day international debut against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2014.
6. Stuart Binny breaks Anil Kumble's record
On June 17, 2014, Binny picked up 6 wickets while giving away just 4 runs in a match against Bangladesh, surpassing Anil Kumble's record of the best bowling figures for India. His final figures in the match were 4.4 overs bowled, 2 maidens, 6 wickets and 4 runs.
7. Stuart Binny’s Test debut
Binny was awarded the Indian Test cap at the age of 30 when India played England at Nottingham in 2014. In the second innings of the match, when India were down by 6 wickets with just 184 runs on the board, he came in at No. 8 and played a match-saving knock of 78 runs. It was definitely a dream debut for him even though he went wicketless with the ball.
8. Stuart Binny and Mayanti Langer
Stuart Binny married popular sports TV host Mayanti Langer in 2012, which prompted some to call them cricket's Iker Casillas (Spanish footballer) and Sara Carbonero (TV sports journalist). Mayanti has herself been travelling with the Indian cricket team in recent times; she attends the matches as a presenter for Star Sports.
9. Roger moves out when Stuart's selection discussion starts
People always criticize national selectors who select their sons to the national team, but in Stuart's case, his father Roger left the room when his name was mentioned during the World Cup squad selection. A board member confirmed that by saying, "He stayed 'out of the room' like always, as we deliberated on his son's inclusion," as reported by TOI.
10. Fun Fact! Which sports app does Stuart Binny use?
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