Indian Premier League (IPL) has always presented a platform to the young and budding cricketers of India to make it big. Umpteen sprouting cricketers, have utilised the stage and have excelled in order to make their way to don the coveted Indian Team jersey.
The competition has additionally seen the rise of five-time title-holders Mumbai Indians, who are the most successful team in the IPL history, however, they are going through a patchy phase in the 15th season of the cash-rich league.
The Mumbai-based franchise has produced some real gems and honed phenomenal talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Continuing their tradition of giving exposures to some young talents, MI, on Saturday gave a chance to Kumar Kartikeya in their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The 24-year-old Madhya Pradesh player snared the wicket of opposition captain Sanju Samson in his first IPL outing.
Samson was in his elements when he smashed Hrithik Shokeen for two maximums over long-off and long-on before debutant Kartikeya excused the player in his first over. Kartikeya, who hails from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, returned with 1/19 in his four overs to slow down Rajasthan players.
Kartikeya, who labelled himself as a "mystery" bowler during the innings break, had humble beginnings as a cricketer. He hasn't visited his home for nine years in his wandering to success.
"I haven't been home for 9 years. I'd decided to return home only when I achieve something in life. My mom and dad called me frequently, but I was committed. Now finally I'll return home after the IPL," Kartikeya told Dainik Jagran.
"My coach Sanjay sir had suggested my name for Madhya Pradesh. In the first year, my name came up in the Under-23 team as a standby player, and I felt a huge sense of relief to see my name on the list," he further added.
Against RR, Kartikeya bowled nine dot deliveries conceded just a single boundary in his debut IPL outing. "I am a mystery bowler. I feel good. When I found out I was playing I was a little nervous. But I planned overnight for every batter. I was trying to bowl it on the pads to Samson. I got a lot of confidence when Sachin sir advised me. I would want my team to win. The ball is spinning a little. The wicket is good though to bat on," he told host broadcaster during the innings break.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, seasoned Suryakumar Yadav and young Tilak Varma gave the best 35th birthday present to their skipper Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians finally opened their account, beating Rajasthan Royals by five wickets.
Chasing a victory target of 159, MI reached home in 19.2 overs, courtesy Surya (51 off 39 balls) and Tilak (35 off 30 balls) adding 81 for the third wicket.
It was MI's first win after eight successive defeats and even though the result bears little consequence but it is certainly going to keep the five-time champions in a good mind space.
