A right-arm medium bowler, Vinay Kumar represents the state of Karnataka in domestic cricket and is known for his out swingers and leg cutters with a considerable amount of pace.

Vinay made his domestic debut in the 2004-05 Ranji season. He announced himself by claiming more than 20 wickets in each of the first three seasons. In 2007-08, he was declared as the 'Domestic Bowler of the Year.' He went on to become the highest wicket taker in the 2009-10 domestic season.

Vinay was awarded a berth in the Indian national team for the World Twenty20 after some stellar performances in the 2010 Indian T20 league. He made his ODI debut in the 2010 Tri-series in Zimbabwe. Initially a part of Bengaluru, he was then signed by the now defunct Kochi for the fourth season in 2011 edition of Indian T20 league. But in the fifth edition, he returned to his former franchise, Bengaluru. In the 7th season of the Indian T20 league, Kolkata signed him up for his services.