Stuart Binny

IND
IND
All-Rounder
All-Rounder
Stuart Binny

Player Bio

Stuart Binny is a former Indian cricketer who played as a medium pacer and a hard-hitting batsman capable of hitting long shots. He was born on June 3, 1984, in Bangalore, India. Despite struggling to break into the Karnataka squad early in his career, he went on to become one of the prominent all-rounders in the Indian cricket circuit. Binny's performances for various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him a reputation as a utility player.

Early Life and Background

Binny was born into a sporting family; his father Roger Binny was an all-rounder who played for India in the 1980s. Growing up in Bangalore, Binny began playing cricket at an early age and showed promise with both bat and ball during his school days. However, he initially struggled to secure regular playing time for Karnataka on account of stiff competition within the team.

Rise to Prominence

Stuart Binny struggled initially to find a regular place in the Karnataka line-up, and he opted to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007. Playing for Hyderabad Heroes and India XI in the unsanctioned tournament, Binny showcased his skills as a premier all-rounder. However, he returned to the Karnataka squad after accepting the BCCI's amnesty offer and proved himself as an important member of the side. His ability to score runs in crisis situations and contribute with the ball earned him recognition.

Cricketing Career

Stuart Binny's domestic performances earned him a call-up to the India A squad for the South Africa tour in 2013, which eventually led to his inclusion in the national team later that year. Binny had a solid domestic season in 2013-14, playing a crucial role in Karnataka's triumphant run to the Ranji Trophy title. He made headlines with his exceptional figures of 6 for 4 in an ODI against Bangladesh, becoming the best figures by an Indian bowler in ODIs at that time.

Binny made his Test debut in the first Test of the five-match series against England in 2014. While he didn't have much success with the ball in that match, he played a vital role with the bat in India's second innings, helping save the Test. However, his performances in the subsequent matches were underwhelming, and he faced limited playing opportunities in Test cricket. Binny remained a regular member of India's ODI squads, but his opportunities to showcase his skills were limited.

Major Tournaments and Series

Stuart Binny was part of the Indian squad for the 2015 World Cup, although he didn't get the chance to play a match in the tournament. He later contributed with the ball in India's Test series win against Sri Lanka in 2015, showcasing his ability as a bowler. Binny also featured in the home series against South Africa, but rain affected his playing time, limiting his impact.

In terms of domestic T20 cricket, Binny was a regular member of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2011 to 2015. Following the suspension of the Rajasthan Royals, he was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, his hometown franchise, for INR 2 crore ahead of the 2016 season.

Playing Role and Skills

Stuart Binny was seen as a versatile all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball. He was known for his medium-pace bowling that could swing both ways and hard-hitting abilities as a batsman.

Binny was often used as a partnership-breaker by captains due to his ability to pick up crucial wickets at critical moments of the game. He was also capable of contributing runs lower down the order with his hard-hitting batting style.

He possessed excellent fielding skills, quick reflexes, and could anticipate well on the field.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona

Stuart Binny was seen as a soft-spoken and humble cricketer who kept to himself. He was known for his work ethic, dedication, and humility on and off the field.

Binny's personal interests include reading books on cricket history and spending time with his family. He is married to sports presenter Mayanti Langer.

Binny has had several brand endorsements throughout his career but never became one of India's most marketable cricketers. Despite this, he maintained an excellent reputation within the cricketing fraternity.

Legacy and Impact

Stuart Binny had a brief international career, but his impact on Indian cricket has been significant. He was one of the premier all-rounders in domestic cricket, with his medium-pace bowling and hard-hitting batting abilities. Binny's best performance in an Indian jersey came against Bangladesh in 2014 when he recorded figures of 6 for 4, still the best by an Indian bowler in ODIs.

Binny also made his mark as a fielder, frequently taking spectacular catches and executing run-outs. His contributions were often underrated, but he played a critical role in India's ODI win against England at Lord's in 2014 where he took two wickets and scored a crucial partnership-breaking 44 runs.

Recognition and Awards

Stuart Binny was part of the victorious Karnataka team that won the Ranji Trophy twice (2009-10 and 2013-14).Binny captained Karnataka to their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph in 2017-18 after scoring two centuries in three matches during the tournament.

Stuart Binny may not have achieved greatness on the international stage like some of his contemporaries did, but he had an eventful career that spanned over a decade. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset for any team he played for.

FAQs
What are Stuart Binny's best figures in ODIs?
Stuart Binny holds the record for the best figures by an Indian bowler in ODIs with 6 for 4 against Bangladesh.
Did Stuart Binny play in the IPL?
Yes, Stuart Binny played in IPL for multiple franchises, including Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
What is Stuart Binny's highest score in Tests?
Stuart Binny's highest score in Test matches is 78 runs.
What is Stuart Binny's role in the Indian team?
Stuart Binny is an all-rounder, known for his batting in the lower middle order and his medium-paced swing and seam bowling.
Has Stuart Binny ever scored a century?
No, Stuart Binny has never scored a century in international cricket but has made three half-centuries across formats throughout his career.