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'Haven't been home for nine years': Kumar Kartikeya Singh shares experience of playing his first-ever IPL game

Mumbai Indians' (MI) latest find, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, impressed one and all with his left-arm spin bowling in his debut match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He bowled his full quota of overs, conceding just 19 runs and took the all-important wicket of the opposition skipper Sanju Samson in his very first over of the competition.


During the innings break in the game between Mumbai and Rajasthan on Saturday at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Kartikeya tagged himself as a 'mystery' bowler and disclosed how he planned out the wicket of the Royals' skipper Sanju Samson.


"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," said Kartikeya.


The UP-born cricketer also revealed that he hasn't been home for nine years as he was committed to achieving something in his life.


"I haven't been home for nine 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.


The 24-year-old was a mid-season signing by the five-time champions as he replaced injured Mohammad Arshad Khan in the squad for the remainder of the IPL 2022. 


MI bowlers bowled superbly to restrict RR's dangerous batting lineup to just 158 runs. Chasing a target of 159 runs, MI won the match in the final over with five wickets to spare. With the victory against the Royals, MI avoided the worst record of nine consecutive defeats in a season. 


The five-time winners will now face Gujarat Titans (GT), who currently top the points table. The match will be played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on Friday, May 6.

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