Kumar Kartikeya, who joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) as a replacement for the injured Arshad Khan, has established himself as one of the franchise's most dependable bowlers in recent matches of IPL 2022.
Kartikeya was instrumental in limiting the reigning champions to only 97 runs in his latest match against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. On Thursday (May 12), he took two wickets and conceded only 22 runs in four overs. Dwayne Bravo, who was looking to develop a nice partnership with CSK skipper MS Dhoni, was dismissed by the left-arm spinner.
Kartikeya, who has become one of MI's emerging stars, recently had the opportunity to show off his prized possession - A signed match ball from the cricketing legend MS Dhoni.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Jonny Bairstow set the tone perfectly for the batters, says Liam Livingstone
Dhoni has made it a point to engage with younger players after games to pass on his wisdom and expertise since retiring from international cricket. This time also, the CSK captain was seen conversing with a few youngsters, and it was Kartikeya's good fortune that allowed him to acquire some useful guidance from one of cricket's brightest minds.
Dhoni made Kartikeya's day by giving him a signed match ball in addition to sharing his knowledge. As he climbed up the steps of the Mumbai Indians changing room, the 24-year-old spinner was spotted flaunting the signed match ball.
Kartikeya can be seen presenting his prized acquisition in front of the camera in a video uploaded by MI's official account.
Following the match, Dhoni was spotted signing jerseys for MI support staff and players. A few pictures of Dhoni signing the jerseys with a tremendous smile on his face have surfaced online. Here are a few:
Kartikeya, a young spinner from Uttar Pradesh, has played 9 first-class matches, 8 T20 matches, and 19 List A games so far. He was a member of the franchise's net-bowling group before joining MI. Kartikeya was signed for INR 20 lakh by the Mumbai squad.
Mumbai Indians are out of contention for the playoffs after nine losses in the cash-rich league. Their next encounter is on May 17th against Sunrises Hyderabad.
