Who is Vimal Kumar? The Veteran Cricket Journalist Who Brings the Game to Life

In Indian cricket journalism, some voices become synonymous with the sport itself. Vimal Kumar is one of those voices—a journalist whose reporting has accompanied cricket fans through World Cup victories, heartbreaking defeats, and everything in between. For over two decades, he has been present at cricket’s biggest moments, telling the stories that connect millions of fans to the game they love.

But beyond the bylines and broadcasts, who is Vimal Kumar? What shaped him into one of India’s most respected cricket journalists? Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the mic.

Early Life and Education

A Small-Town Beginning with Big Dreams

Vimal Kumar was born in Dumka, Jharkhand a place that might seem far removed from the glitzy world of international cricket. But growing up there, he nurtured a deep and abiding passion for the sport. That childhood love for cricket wasn’t just about watching matches; it was about understanding the game, dissecting its nuances, and eventually sharing those insights with others.

His journey from a small town in Jharkhand to the world’s biggest cricket stadiums is a story of determination and focus. It proves that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go especially when you’re driven by genuine passion.

Academic Foundation at IIMC

Determined to turn his passion into a profession, Vimal enrolled at the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi in 2000. IIMC is widely regarded as one of India’s premier institutions for journalism education, and studying there gave him the theoretical grounding and practical skills essential for a career in media.

Not content with just one qualification, he further enhanced his academic credentials by pursuing a master’s degree in journalism from Guru Jambheshwar University. This combination of rigorous education and genuine passion laid a solid foundation for a career that would eventually take him around the world, covering major cricket tournaments and telling stories that resonated with millions.

Career Overview: Two Decades of Cricket Journalism

The Early Years with IMG-TWI

Vimal Kumar’s professional journey began with Trans World International (IMG-TWI), a division of the International Management Group. This early experience gave him a front-row seat to the business and media side of sports, providing invaluable exposure to the global sports landscape. It was here that he learned the ropes of sports production and developed the professional instincts that would guide his career.

Leading Indian Media Houses

Over the years, Vimal worked for some of India’s most prominent media organizations. His tenure included stints at the TV Today Network, where he contributed to both Aaj Tak and Headlines Today. He also worked extensively with Network18, covering both CNN-IBN and News18India.

What’s particularly noteworthy is his versatility across languages. Working on both Hindi and English channels, Vimal has been able to connect with diverse audiences across India’s linguistic and cultural spectrum. He didn’t just report; he translated the drama of cricket for viewers who spoke different languages but shared the same passion.

His roles evolved from ground-level reporting to leadership positions, including serving as Deputy Sports Editor for IBN7. Beyond television, he also worked as a freelance consultant in communication, lending his expertise to various organizations.

Global Coverage of Cricket

One of Vimal Kumar’s most significant achievements has been his extensive coverage of international cricket. He has reported from two ICC Cricket World Cups in 2007 and 2011 capturing the drama, emotion, and excitement of cricket’s biggest tournament on both occasions.

But his global footprint extends far beyond World Cups. He has covered cricket in nearly all Test-playing nations, giving him a global perspective that few Indian journalists can match. From the buzzing arenas of Australia to the historic grounds of England, from the spin-friendly tracks of Sri Lanka to the pace-friendly pitches of South Africa, Vimal has been there, notebook in hand, reporting it all.

The Storyteller Role

Most recently, Vimal Kumar appeared as a Cricket Kahanibaaz a storyteller during the India tour of England 2025, providing expert commentary on the Sony Sports Network. This role highlighted his evolution from reporter to storyteller: someone who doesn’t just report facts but weaves narratives that engage and enlighten audiences. The title “Kahanibaaz” is particularly fitting for someone who has spent decades mastering the art of telling cricket’s stories.

Print and Digital Contributions

Vimal’s influence extends beyond television. He has contributed to respected publications including Sports Illustrated, Outlook, Mid-Day, The Tribune, Cricket Samrat, and Cricket Today. His digital footprint includes contributions to websites like IBNlive.com, Cricketnext.com, and IBNkhabar.com, demonstrating his adaptability across media formats and platforms.

The Rohit Sharma Connection: A Friendship That Captured Attention

A Gesture of Respect

Vimal Kumar gained widespread attention when Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket captain, invited him to celebrate India’s ODI series win against the West Indies. This gesture highlighted a long-standing friendship between the journalist and the cricketer, a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.

Vimal captured this memorable experience in a touching video on his YouTube channel, reflecting his appreciation for the humility and sportsmanship of the Indian cricket team. Such moments showcase the unique relationships that journalists can build when they approach their work with sincerity and authenticity.

Beyond Reporting

His friendship with cricketers like Wriddhiman Saha and Rohit Sharma, coupled with his long-standing contributions, has made Vimal a revered figure in the world of sports media. These connections are not about access for access’s sake, they reflect the trust and credibility he has earned over decades of honest, informed reporting. When a cricketer invites a journalist to celebrate a victory, it says something profound about the respect that journalist commands.

Books and Publications

Vimal Kumar is not only an accomplished journalist but also an author with three notable books to his credit. Each book reflects a different dimension of his cricketing knowledge and his ability to connect with readers beyond the confines of daily journalism.

Sachin: Cricketer of the Century (2013)

This book pays tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, arguably India’s greatest cricketer. Written at a time when Tendulkar’s legacy was already firmly established, the book captures the essence of the cricketer who defined a generation. It’s not just a biography; it’s a celebration of what Tendulkar meant to India and to cricket fans around the world.

The Cricket Fanatic’s Essential Guide (2015)

A comprehensive guide for cricket enthusiasts, this book demonstrates Vimal’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to communicate complex cricketing concepts in an accessible manner. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower, this guide offers insights that enrich your understanding of the sport.

Life Lessons from Cricket (2025)

Co-written with Ashish Ambasta, this book explores the wisdom and life lessons that cricket offers beyond the boundary ropes. It reflects Vimal’s belief that cricket is more than just a sport it’s a teacher of resilience, teamwork, and character. The book’s publication in 2025 shows that after 23 years in the field, Vimal still has fresh perspectives to share.

Other Platforms

In addition to his books, Vimal continues to share his cricket insights on his platform, vimalwa.com, and through guest lectures and media appearances. This multi-platform approach has helped him maintain a strong connection with cricket fans and aspiring journalists alike.

Controversies: Navigating Criticism in a High-Stakes Field

Despite his professional reputation, Vimal Kumar has not been immune to controversy. In the high-intensity world of cricket journalism, where opinions are strong and scrutiny is constant, such moments are almost inevitable.

The Arshdeep Singh Incident

During the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai, a fan called Arshdeep Singh a “Gaddar” (traitor). Vimal Kumar addressed the situation live, highlighting the fan’s behavior and calling out the inappropriate comment. This received appreciation from cricketer Hardik Pandya, who recognized the importance of standing up against unfair criticism of players. The incident demonstrated Vimal’s willingness to take a stand on issues of fairness and respect, even in the heat of live coverage.

Accusations of Biased Reporting

Vimal Kumar has also faced criticism for allegedly biased reporting in favor of Rohit Sharma, even during periods when Sharma’s form was below par. Many argue that as a journalist, maintaining impartiality is crucial, and such instances sparked debate among cricket fans and media critics.

It’s worth noting that close relationships between journalists and the athletes they cover are not uncommon in sports journalism. The challenge lies in balancing personal rapport with professional objectivity a tension that every serious sports journalist must navigate. Whether the criticism of Vimal is fair or not, the debate itself highlights the high expectations placed on journalists who cover cricket in India.

Social Media Presence and Following

Vimal Kumar actively engages with cricket fans across multiple social media platforms, sharing updates, insights, and commentary. His social media presence has contributed significantly to his popularity among cricket enthusiasts and aspiring journalists alike.

Platform	Followers
X (formerly Twitter)	80.5K
Instagram	273K
LinkedIn	4K
Facebook	1022
YouTube (Revsports)	1M subscribers

His X handle is @Vimalwa, where he regularly posts cricket updates and engages with fans. His YouTube channel, Revsports, has emerged as a particularly significant platform, with nearly 700,000 subscribers following his cricket content. This substantial following across multiple platforms demonstrates his ability to adapt to changing media consumption habits while maintaining his core audience.

He also maintains a professional website, vimalwa.com, for in-depth content and articles, a digital home for his extensive body of work.

Influence and Mentorship

Shaping the Next Generation

Beyond reporting, Vimal Kumar shares his knowledge with the next generation of journalists. He serves as a guest lecturer at IIMC Delhi, IIMC Dhenkanal, and Manav Rachna University in Faridabad. These engagements allow him to pass on the wisdom gained from decades of field experience to aspiring sports journalists.

His mentorship and dedication to journalism education reflect a commitment to nurturing future cricket reporters, a responsibility he takes seriously as someone who has benefited from quality education himself. It’s a full-circle moment: a graduate of IIMC now teaching at the same institution.

A Legacy of Professionalism

Vimal’s influence extends beyond formal teaching. Through his social media interactions, books, and public appearances, he continues to inspire young journalists who dream of following in his footsteps. His career demonstrates that success in sports journalism requires not just knowledge of the game, but also integrity, perseverance, and a genuine love for storytelling.

Net Worth and Personal Life

Professional Earnings

While Vimal Kumar is widely celebrated in cricketing circles, his estimated net worth remains undisclosed. Like many journalists, his earnings are likely derived from a combination of sources including his extensive journalism career, freelance consulting, and speaking engagements.

His consistent presence in top media organizations and his ability to command respect across the industry suggest a career that is professionally rewarding. However, Vimal has chosen to keep the financial aspects of his life private, focusing instead on the work that has defined his public identity.

Privacy Around Family

Vimal Kumar is known for keeping his personal life private, and little information is publicly available about his family. There is no verified information regarding a Vimal Kumar wife, and he has maintained a clear boundary between his professional identity and personal affairs.

This privacy is not uncommon among journalists, many of whom prefer to let their work speak for itself. What is clear, however, is that his personal values integrity, professionalism, and a deep love for cricket—shine through in everything he does professionally.

Legacy: What Vimal Kumar Represents

Vimal Kumar’s career demonstrates an unwavering dedication to cricket journalism, combining field reporting, in-depth analysis, and global exposure. He has reported from the biggest stages in cricket, written for the most respected publications, and built relationships that have enriched his understanding of the game.

His journey from Dumka, Jharkhand, to becoming one of India’s most respected cricket journalists is a testament to the power of passion combined with professional excellence. He represents the best of sports journalism, reporting that is informed, insightful, and driven by a genuine love for the game.

As cricket continues to evolve, journalists like Vimal Kumar ensure that fans understand not just what happens on the field, but the stories, emotions, and human connections that make cricket truly special. His career reminds us that great journalism is built on more than just access it requires integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter.

FAQs

Who is Vimal Kumar?
Vimal Kumar is an Indian cricket journalist with over 23 years of experience covering the sport at national and international levels.

Where did Vimal Kumar study?
He studied journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi, after completing graduation from Guru Jambheshwar University in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

What is Vimal Kumar’s net worth?
Vimal Kumar’s estimated net worth is unknown, as he has not publicly disclosed his financial details.

What books has Vimal Kumar written?
He has written three books: Sachin: Cricketer of the Century (2013), The Cricket Fanatic’s Essential Guide (2015), and Life Lessons from Cricket (2025), co-written with Ashish Ambasta.

What is Vimal Kumar’s Twitter (X) handle?
His Twitter (X) handle is @Vimalwa.

Has Vimal Kumar been involved in controversies?
Yes, he faced criticism for alleged biased reporting favoring Rohit Sharma and also addressed a fan’s inappropriate comment about Arshdeep Singh during the Asia Cup 2022.

What is Vimal Kumar’s YouTube following?
His YouTube channel, Revsports, has 683,000 subscribers as of October 2025.

Where has Vimal Kumar worked as a journalist?
He has worked with IMG-TWI, TV Today Network (Aaj Tak, Headlines Today), and Network18 (CNN-IBN, News18India), among others.

Final Thoughts

Vimal Kumar’s journey in cricket journalism is a remarkable story of passion, persistence, and professional growth. From his early days in Dumka to covering ICC World Cups and building close relationships with cricket’s biggest stars, he has carved a niche that few can match.

His career reminds us that great journalism is built on more than just access, it requires integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter. Whether through his books, broadcasts, or mentorship of young journalists, Vimal Kumar continues to shape the way India understands and appreciates cricket.

In a media landscape that is constantly changing, his dedication to quality journalism and his ability to evolve with the times ensure that his voice will remain relevant for years to come. For cricket fans who have grown up with his reporting, he is more than just a journalist, he is a trusted companion on cricket’s long and beautiful journey.

                                               

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