Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians may not be in the race for a playoff spot in IPL 2022, but fans still have pinned hopes on their favourite IPL franchise for some entertainment. IPL has shaped the future of a lot of youngsters and one of such cricketers is Kumar Kartikeya who got inducted into the MI team during the auctions for the current session.
Kartikeya, the new left-arm spin sensation or the 'Mystery Spinner', is no different from several other youths who leave their homes with big dreams and sweat hard to achieve it. However, Kartikeya's journey from a daily wage labourer to becoming the sensation of the country is what differentiates him from others.
Sanjay Bharadwaj, coach of Kartikeya, said the left-arm spinner left his home while he was a kid. He had to struggle as a daily wage labourer to make ends meet. He also mentioned that his (Kartikeya) life story and struggle is one of its kinds.
Kartikeya stepped on the field to turn his dreams into reality at a time when MI's struggle to retain team's position in the playoff spot continued. However, the 'Mystery Spinner' produced his brilliance in the first match itself and dismissed Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson, which made him popular overnight.
In a recently released video on MI's Twitter handle, Kartikeya shared his excitement about returning home after nine long years. He had promised himself that he would not return home unless he achieves something in life.
As Kartikeya said in the video, “When I left my house, I had thought that I will return home only after achieving something. Mumbai Indians supported me a lot. When my turn for bowling came, Rohit bhaiya told me to bowl without any hesitation. He assured me to focus on bowling only and leave the rest on him as he would handle all other things.”
The MI bowler continued: “I informed my father that I was going to play a game. He announced this to his entire battalion. When he shared that video with me after the match, it was an unparalleled feeling for me.”
"In the video, I saw a smile on my father's face which last time I had seen as a kid. I am quite excited for the moment to reunite with my family and witness the reaction of my mother and father, as I am returning home after 9 years," said Kartikeya.
The full version of the video will premiere on Wednesday at 9 pm which will present the inspiring journey of Kartikeya.