Stuart Binny: The All-Rounder Who Left His Mark on Indian Cricket
Introduction
Stuart Binny, a name that might not always ring with the grandeur of Indian cricket legends, has nonetheless etched a unique identity in the country’s cricketing tapestry. Known for his all-round capabilities, Stuart Binny brought a blend of solid middle-order batting and steady medium-pace bowling. Though his international career was relatively short-lived, he produced memorable performances that resonated with cricket lovers—most notably, his record-breaking 6/4 against Bangladesh in 2014, which remains the best bowling figure by an Indian in ODIs to date.
As the son of Roger Binny, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Stuart had big shoes to fill. While comparisons were inevitable, Stuart carved a path that showcased his own identity—a reliable domestic player, a valuable IPL team man, and a cricketer who gave his best every time he wore the Indian jersey.
In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into Stuart Binny’s cricketing journey, highlighting his domestic achievements, international moments, IPL stints, personal milestones, and life after cricket.
Early Life and Cricketing Roots
Stuart Binny was born on June 3, 1984, in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka. Growing up in a cricketing household, he was exposed to the game from a young age. His father, Roger Binny, played a key role in nurturing Stuart’s interest in cricket.
He received his education from The Frank Anthony Public School, Bengaluru, and further honed his cricketing skills at St. Joseph's Indian High School. After schooling, he trained at IACA (Indian Academy for Cricketing Aspirants) under the guidance of his father. Binny’s early cricketing journey was marked by hard work and steady progression through the age-group levels in Karnataka cricket.
Domestic Cricket – Building a Strong Foundation
Stuart Binny made his first-class debut in 2003-04 for Karnataka but only began to establish himself after a few seasons. Known for his consistency with both bat and ball, he became an integral part of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy side during the 2010s.
Stuart Binny's Domestic Cricket Stats (as of retirement)
| Format | Matches | Runs Scored | Batting Avg | Wickets | Bowling Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 95 | 4796 | 34.25 | 148 | 32.36 |
| List A | 100 | 1788 | 25.5 | 99 | 34.2 |
| T20s | 150 | 1860 | 20.2 | 73 | 30.9 |
International Career – Short but Memorable
Stuart Binny made his ODI debut in 2014 against New Zealand. He was part of a group of players selected to provide depth and flexibility—especially in foreign conditions where medium pace bowling would be useful.
Stuart Binny’s International Debut
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ODI Debut: vs New Zealand, January 28, 2014
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Test Debut: vs England, July 9, 2014
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T20I Debut: vs Zimbabwe, July 17, 2015
His shining moment came against Bangladesh on June 17, 2014, when he took 6 wickets for just 4 runs in Mirpur, scripting one of India’s most dominant bowling displays in ODI history.
Stuart Binny’s International Career Summary
| Format | Matches | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 6 | 194 | 78 | 3 | 2/24 |
| ODI | 14 | 230 | 77 | 20 | 6/4 |
| T20I | 3 | 35 | 24 | 1 | 1/18 |
IPL Career – Team Man Across Franchises
Stuart Binny had a fairly eventful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Mumbai Indians (MI). His performances, especially with Rajasthan Royals, were crucial during their playoff qualification runs.
IPL Teams Stuart Binny Played For
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Mumbai Indians – 2010
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Rajasthan Royals – 2011–2015, 2018–2019
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Royal Challengers Bangalore – 2016–2017
Stuart Binny's IPL Stats
| Matches | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 880 | 18.7 | 128.9 | 22 | 8.38 |
Career Highlights & Notable Achievements
Despite not having a long run in the national side, Stuart Binny had several memorable moments in his cricketing journey.
Major Highlights of Stuart Binny’s Career
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6/4 vs Bangladesh (2014) – Best ODI bowling by an Indian.
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78 in Test Debut vs England – A gritty knock at Lord’s.
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Two-time Ranji Trophy Champion – With Karnataka.
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Played in all three formats for India.
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Represented India in World T20 2016 squad.
Personal Life and Post-Cricket Career
Stuart Binny is married to Mayanti Langer, a well-known Indian sports anchor. The couple is often seen as one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated partnerships in media and sports circles.
After announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 30, 2021, Binny shifted focus to coaching and mentoring roles. He has been involved in:
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Coaching stints at grassroots levels in Karnataka.
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Working with National Cricket Academy (NCA) programs.
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Commentating and analysis for domestic matches.
Legacy and Public Perception
While Stuart Binny may not have had a long-lasting international career, his contributions were valuable and came at crucial times. Known for his calm demeanor, hardworking ethic, and ability to adapt, he gained respect in both domestic and IPL circuits.
His 6-wicket haul in Bangladesh is still widely celebrated, and he is often remembered during discussions about unsung heroes of Indian cricket.
What Made Stuart Binny Special
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Ability to perform under pressure.
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Versatility in multiple formats.
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Balanced all-rounder for subcontinental and overseas conditions.
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Team-first attitude and discipline.
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A cricketing lineage yet unique career journey.
Challenges Faced in Career
Binny faced criticism and scrutiny due to frequent comparisons with his father, Roger Binny, and often had to justify his place in the national team. Additionally, the rise of pace-bowling all-rounders like Hardik Pandya limited his opportunities.
However, his ability to remain grounded, stay fit, and contribute in domestic and IPL circuits speaks volumes about his professional integrity.
Quotes About Stuart Binny
“Stuart always gave his 100%. He may not be flashy, but he was dependable.”
— Rahul Dravid (Former Indian Captain)
“The 6/4 spell was unbelievable. It showed his potential to win games singlehandedly.”
— Sunil Gavaskar (Cricket Legend)
Conclusion
Stuart Binny’s cricketing journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and performance. In a cricket-mad nation where only a few rise to stardom, Binny managed to leave a mark with grit and determination. Whether it was a match-winning spell in Mirpur or a game-saving knock in domestic cricket, he brought balance and experience to every side he played for.
He may not be remembered in the same breath as the Sachins or the Kohlis, but among those who value the contribution of every cog in the team’s machine, Stuart Binny’s name stands tall—a true team man, a proud representative of Indian cricket, and a legacy carrier of a great cricketing family.
