Kumar Kartikeya IPL Stats, Price, Wickets, Team, Salary & Records
Kumar Kartikeya’s journey to the IPL is one of the most inspiring stories in Indian cricket. The left-arm spinner from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, moved to Delhi at 15, worked in a factory near Ghaziabad to support himself, and trained for six years before Madhya Pradesh gave him a chance. He repaid that faith by helping MP win the Ranji Trophy, and in 2022, Mumbai Indians brought him into the IPL as an injury replacement.
Since then, he has played for Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, taking 12 wickets in 16 IPL matches. His story shows that the road to the IPL is not always through academies and age-group stardom.
Kumar Kartikeya IPL Career Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Full Name | Kumar Kartikeya Singh |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1997 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Kuwasi, Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm orthodox |
| Role | Bowler |
| IPL Debut | 2022 (Mumbai Indians) |
| Current Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| IPL Price | Rs 30 lakh |
From Factory Worker to Ranji Trophy Winner
Kumar Kartikeya’s love for cricket began when he saw his father smiling while watching a match. At 15, he left home for Delhi to join a cricket academy, and to survive, he worked at a factory near Ghaziabad. His coach, Sanjay Bhardwaj, noticed his talent and invited him to stay with him. After six years of training, Kartikeya moved to Madhya Pradesh.
The move changed everything. In the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy, he took 32 wickets, the second-highest tally in the tournament, including 4 wickets in the final against Mumbai as Madhya Pradesh won their maiden Ranji Trophy title. After nine years away, he reunited with his family in 2022, just as his IPL chance arrived.
The IPL Call: Mumbai Indians in 2022
Mumbai Indians signed Kumar Kartikeya in 2022 as a replacement for the injured Mohd Arshad Khan. He made his debut that season and played four matches, taking five wickets at an economy rate under 8. His best figures of 2 for 22 showed he belonged at this level.
Season-by-Season IPL Bowling Stats
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | MI | 4 | 5 | 2/22 | 20.40 | 7.85 |
| 2023 | MI | 8 | 5 | – | 45.40 | 8.73 |
| 2025 | RR | 4 | 2 | – | 39.00 | 9.75 |
| Career | – | 16 | 12 | 2/22 | 33.92 | 8.66 |
Across 16 IPL matches, he has taken 12 wickets at an average of 33.92 and an economy rate of 8.66. His debut season remains his most effective, with five wickets in four games at an excellent economy rate of 7.85.
The Move to Rajasthan Royals
In the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired Kumar Kartikeya for Rs 30 lakh. He played four matches for the Royals in the 2025 season, taking two wickets. The move gave him a new environment after three seasons in the Mumbai Indians setup, and Rajasthan’s spin-friendly home conditions in Jaipur suited his style.
IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| 2022 | Mumbai Indians | Replacement signing |
| 2023 | Mumbai Indians | Retained |
| 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | Rs 30 lakh |
Bowling Style and Strengths
Kumar Kartikeya is a classical left-arm orthodox spinner who bowls with a high arm action and gets natural drift and turn. His first-class record is outstanding: 211 wickets in 47 matches at an average of 22, with 11 five-wicket hauls and a best of 6 for 20. In T20 cricket, he has taken 56 wickets in 54 matches at an economy rate of 7.14.
What stands out is his temperament. Having fought his way up from nothing, he bowls without fear, attacking the stumps and backing his variations. Left-arm spin is always valuable in the IPL, and his ability to bowl in the powerplay as well as the middle overs adds to his utility.
Kumar Kartikeya’s Domestic T20 and List A Record
Beyond first-class cricket, Kumar Kartikeya has built strong white-ball credentials for Madhya Pradesh. In T20 cricket, he has taken 56 wickets in 54 matches at an average of 23.6 and an economy rate of 7.14, with best figures of 3 for 10. His List A record is equally solid: 59 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 27.64 and an economy rate of 4.27, with a best of 4 for 34.
These numbers show a bowler who adapts to every format. His T20 economy rate of just over 7 is particularly impressive for a finger spinner, and it explains why IPL franchises keep coming back to him. He has also been part of Rest of India and West Zone squads, recognition of his standing among the best spinners in the domestic game.
Domestic Career with Madhya Pradesh
Beyond the Ranji Trophy triumph, Kartikeya has been a consistent performer for Madhya Pradesh across formats. His List A record includes 59 wickets in 44 matches, and he remains one of the first names on the team sheet for his state side. With the bat, he has scored 650 first-class runs including a half-century, showing he can contribute lower-order runs. At 28, he is in his prime as a spinner, and his best years may still be ahead of him. Franchises value his control and his fighting spirit, and with Rajasthan Royals giving him a platform, he has every chance to turn his inspiring story into a lasting IPL career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many IPL wickets has Kumar Kartikeya taken?
Kumar Kartikeya has taken 12 wickets in 16 IPL matches at an average of 33.92 and an economy rate of 8.66, with best bowling figures of 2 for 22.
Which IPL teams has Kumar Kartikeya played for?
Kumar Kartikeya has played for Mumbai Indians (2022-2023) and Rajasthan Royals (2025). He joined Mumbai as a replacement for the injured Mohd Arshad Khan in 2022.
When did Kumar Kartikeya make his IPL debut?
Kumar Kartikeya made his IPL debut in 2022 for Mumbai Indians, playing four matches and taking five wickets in his first season.
What is Kumar Kartikeya’s IPL price?
Rajasthan Royals bought Kumar Kartikeya for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction.
What is Kumar Kartikeya’s Ranji Trophy record?
Kumar Kartikeya helped Madhya Pradesh win the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy, taking 32 wickets in the season, the second-highest tally, including 4 wickets in the final against Mumbai.
What is Kumar Kartikeya’s background story?
Born in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kumar Kartikeya moved to Delhi at 15, worked in a factory near Ghaziabad to support himself, and trained under coach Sanjay Bhardwaj for six years before breaking through with Madhya Pradesh.
Rivcky John
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