V.R. Dinesh Nayak was born on May 17, 1975 at Vernacular in Kerala. His nickname is ‘Kaka’. He received his Bachelors degree in History from Madras University, Chennai.

He is employed as an Assistant Manager in the Indian Bank. Dinesh Nayak is a product of S.A.I. Sports Hostel, Bangalore. He played hockey at the Senior National level from Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Nayak was first observed in the Jr. Asian Zone World Cup qualifier in 1992 although he made his international debut in 1993 in the Test Series against Kenya. He played in the Sydney Olympics of 2000. However, playing in the Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur in 1999, he scored a solitary goal.

Dinesh Nayak has played all the important international tournaments. During the tour of South Africa in 1999 he scored a goal while the Indian team lost the game. As a main back player of India he is working hard to cement his place in the team. He has never played professionally for a foreign club.