The five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) finally won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, after beating one of the bests in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday, April 30.
Although it was Jos Buttler and Suryakumar Yadav, who stole the show, MI debutant Kumar Kartikeya impressed everyone with his outstanding spell. The 24-year-old bowled four overs of his spell and picked up the key wicket of RR skipper Sanju Samson, who was seeming lethal with the bat. Kartikeya conceded only 19 runs, at a reasonable economy of 4.75.
Mumbai Indians (MI) signed the left-arm orthodox as a replacement for Arshad Khan. Kartikeya, during the innings break in the match, ascertained himself as a “mystery” bowler. “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,” he said.
Coming from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kartikeya admitted that he was a little nervous before making his IPL debut. Speaking to Dainik Jagran, the MI spinner also revealed that he has not visited his home for over nine years. “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.” he added.
MI register their first victory of IPL 2022
Talking about the match, MI won the toss and elected to bowl first. With the help of brilliant spells from pacer Riley Meredith, and Kumar Kartikeya himself, MI managed to restrict RR batters at a score of 158/6. In the meantime, the present ‘Orange Cap’ bearer Jos Buttler again played more than a decent knock of 67 runs off 52 deliveries. Ravi Ashwin too played a short but blistering knock of 21 runs in just nine balls.
Mumbai, given the target of 159, lost both of their openers before Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma built a partnership of 81 runs off 56 deliveries. Yadav, the highest run-scorer for MI, in the match, lit up the show with 51 runs in 39 deliveries, with five boundaries and two sixes, and was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award. In the end, Tim David and Daniel Sams’ vital and rapid contribution of runs aided MI to record their first victory of the season.
Besides, MI is set to face the best in the tournament so far, Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans, in their very next group stage match. The match will be played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on Friday, May 6.
Written By Prachi Pisal
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