Overview

Roger Michael Humphrey Binny (born 19 July 1955) is a former Indian international cricketer best known for his role as a pace bowling all‑rounder in the late 1970s and 1980s. He gained wide recognition during India's victorious 1983 Cricket World Cup campaign, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket‑taker. Born in Bangalore, he represented India in both Test and One Day International formats and later stayed involved with the game in coaching and selection roles.

Playing style and international record

Binny bowled right‑arm medium‑fast and batted right‑handed, often contributing useful lower‑order runs. Over the course of his international career he compiled 830 runs in Test cricket and 629 runs in One Day Internationals, while taking 47 Test wickets and 77 ODI wickets. His bowling combined seam movement with consistent length, making him a reliable opening or first‑change option in helpful conditions.

1983 Cricket World Cup

Binny's most celebrated achievement came at the 1983 Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's top wicket‑taker with 18 dismissals. His performances provided timely breakthroughs for India throughout the event and were an important factor in the team's unexpected tournament triumph under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. That World Cup success is widely regarded as a turning point in Indian limited‑overs cricket and remains Binny's signature international contribution. For further context on the event see the tournament page: 1983 Cricket World Cup.

Domestic career and background

At the domestic level Binny was a prominent player for Karnataka, contributing both with ball and bat across first‑class competitions. His domestic performances earned him selection for the national side and he played a part in Karnataka's cricketing development during his era. He came from the city of Bangalore, which has produced several leading Indian cricketers.

After cricket and family

After retiring from playing, Binny remained active in cricket through coaching, mentoring and administrative work. He has served in selection and development roles at various levels, helping to shape younger players and contributing his experience to team management. His son Stuart Binny also became a professional cricketer and represented India, continuing the family's association with the national game.

Legacy and notable facts

  • World Cup impact: Leading wicket‑taker in the 1983 World Cup, a hallmark of his career (tournament).
  • All‑round contributions: Combined seam bowling with lower‑order batting, producing 830 Test runs and 629 ODI runs across his career (Tests, ODIs).
  • Domestic influence: Longstanding performer for Karnataka, contributing to the state's cricket strength.

Roger Binny is remembered as a steady, industrious performer whose World Cup exploits brought him lasting recognition and whose continued involvement in selection and development has helped successive generations of Indian cricketers.