Stuart Binny: A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life

Stuart Binny was born on June 3, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. He hails from a cricketing family; his father, Roger Binny, is a former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner in 1983. Growing up in Bangalore, Stuart was exposed to the game early on. He was a talented athlete in school, excelling in various sports, but cricket became his primary focus. His childhood was spent at various local grounds and cricket academies, honing his skills and aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps.

Domestic Career

Stuart Binny made his debut for Karnataka in the 2003-04 Ranji Trophy season. Known for his all-round abilities, Binny played as a middle-order batsman and a right-arm medium-pace bowler. Over the years, he developed a reputation as a reliable all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball in domestic tournaments. His domestic career saw significant performances in the Ranji Trophy and the Vijaya Hazare Trophy. One of his standout seasons was in 2014-15 when he scored 100 runs in a single innings against Maharashtra, showcasing his potential to score crucial runs under pressure.

International Debut

Stuart Binny made his international Twenty20 debut on December 28, 2012, against Pakistan. However, his breakthrough moment came in the longer formats when he was called up to the Indian Test squad in 2014. His ODI debut followed later that year against Bangladesh on June 15, 2014. Binny's international career started promisingly as he showcased his all-round capabilities in matches against various international teams.

Key Milestones and Records

One of the most notable milestones in Stuart Binny’s career came during the 2014 tour of England, where he achieved the remarkable feat of taking six wickets for just four runs in an ODI against England. This performance remains one of the best bowling figures for an Indian in ODIs and solidified his place as a valuable all-rounder. In Test cricket, he made vital contributions with the bat, and despite facing challenges in cementing a permanent spot in the squad, his performances were often commendable when he received opportunities.

Achievements

While Stuart Binny's international career had its ups and downs, he achieved several key accomplishments, including: - Recorded the best bowling figures (6/4) by an Indian bowler in a One Day International. - Integral part of the Indian team in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, contributing valuable runs and playing a supportive role. - Recognized for his versatility and resilience in red-ball and limited-overs cricket.

Impact on the Game

Stuart Binny's journey as an all-rounder has inspired many aspiring cricketers, especially those who come from cricketing families. His adaptability across different formats of the game has also demonstrated the importance of versatility in modern cricket. Though not a first-choice player for most of his career, Binny's work ethic and ability to seize opportunities when given a chance highlighted the depth in India's cricketing roster. Moreover, his on-field performances reflect the skill and temperament required to succeed in international cricket, providing a blueprint for all-rounders who strive to make an impact.

Career Statistics

The following are Stuart Binny's career statistics across all formats as of October 2023:

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

- Matches: 14 - Innings: 11 - Runs: 250 - Batting Average: 22.72 - 100s: 0 - 50s: 1 - Best Score: 77 - Wickets: 18 - Bowling Average: 24.33 - Best Bowling: 6/4

Test Matches

- Matches: 6 - Innings: 13 - Runs: 230 - Batting Average: 18.46 - 100s: 0 - 50s: 1 - Best Score: 78 - Wickets: 3 - Bowling Average: 97.67 - Best Bowling: 2/40

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

- Matches: 3 - Innings: 3 - Runs: 21 - Batting Average: 7.00 - 100s: 0 - 50s: 0 - Best Score: 18 - Wickets: 2 - Bowling Average: 33.50 - Best Bowling: 1/16

Conclusion

Stuart Binny's cricketing journey is a testament to the hard work and dedication that is often required to excel in sport. Though he may not have been in the limelight consistently, his contributions to the Indian cricket team and his impressive domestic performances ensure that he is remembered as a competent all-rounder in Indian cricket history.