J. Arunkumar is an Indian former first-class cricketer and cricket coach. A left-handed opening batsman from Karnataka, he was a prolific run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy during the 1990s and 2000s, and later transitioned into coaching at the domestic and franchise level.
| Full name | Jacob Arunkumar |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Batsman (left-handed opener) |
| Domestic team | Karnataka |
| Primary competition | Ranji Trophy |
| Later role | Cricket coach |
Arunkumar emerged through Karnataka's cricketing system in Bengaluru, a state association known for producing several India internationals. He developed as a top-order batsman and earned a place in the Karnataka senior side, where he became a regular fixture in the domestic circuit.
Representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, Arunkumar was part of a strong batting line-up that featured alongside other prominent state cricketers of the era. He was known for his consistency at the top of the order and accumulated substantial first-class runs over a lengthy domestic career. He also featured in List A limited-overs cricket on the Indian domestic circuit.
After retiring as a player, Arunkumar moved into coaching. He served in coaching and batting-coach roles at the state and franchise level in Indian cricket, working with younger players in the domestic system. He has been associated with coaching assignments connected to Karnataka cricket and Indian Premier League franchises in support and batting-coach capacities.
Arunkumar is recognised as a representative of the strong Karnataka domestic batting tradition of his era. While he did not play for the senior India team, his contribution to Karnataka's Ranji Trophy campaigns and his subsequent role in player development mark his standing in Indian domestic cricket.