On Monday, India and Karnataka all-rounder announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The 37-year-old Binny featured in 6 Tests, 14 ODIs and 3 T20Is for the country.
Binny’s India career spanned January 2014 to August 2016, where, despite question marks over his spot in either department, he enjoyed a few exceptional highlights.
He still holds the record for best figures for an Indian men’s bowler in ODIs, having taken six wickets for just four runs and helping India defend the score of 105 by a margin of 47 runs against Bangladesh back in June 2014.
Only a month later, while he went wicketless, Binny produced a match-saving knock on his Test debut against England at Trent Bridge, scoring priceless 78 runs in the second-innings after a mini-collapse on the final day threatened to result in an Indian defeat. Binny’s effort made sure the visitors kept the hosts at bay and came out of the game with a draw.
One year later, Binny’s ability to deliver tight overs with his gentle but accurate right-arm seam bowling meant that he gave India’s quicks a much-needed breather between spells on the tour of Sri Lanka where Virat Kohli’s team eventually won the series 2-1.
At the domestic level, Binny played 95 first-class matches, a majority of which came for his state Karnataka. For many years, he was an effective lower middle-order batsman and a useful fourth seamer of the attack for the Southern Ranji Trophy giants. Binny had a first-class batting average of 34.25 for 4,796 runs and a bowling average of 32.36 for 148 wickets at an economy rate of 3.05.
Son of former India pacer Roger Binny, he also played 100 List A matches and 150 T20 games, besides representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
Putting an end to his playing career, Binny thanked the BCCI for their “huge role” in his cricketing journey through a statement where he also expressed gratitude towards all the coaches, selectors and captains. Binny, who boasts of a NCA Level-2 certificate, has said he will be giving back to the game through coaching.
