Kumar Kartikeya’s story is right out of a cinema. Having represented Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, the 27-year-old took a drastic step when he decided to leave his home in Sitapur, UP with just Rs 40 in his pocket. He was just 15 years old, however this single decision became a massive turnaround and soon paved way to his IPL dream. 

MI was the first team to realize the left arm spinner’s potential. Consequently, he was hauled in in 2022. What is more impressive is the fact that the young spinner dismissed his current captain Samson to earn his IPL wicket. 

He picked up 10 wickets from 12 matches for MI during his tenure (2022-2023) before the Rajasthan Royals reeled him in for the 2025 season.