Both sanju

Madhya Pradesh Premier League: Kumar Kartikeya doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favourite player. “Rajat (Patidar) is one of my favourite players — not just because of his talent but also for how he carries himself,” says the left-arm spinner who recently turned out for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“I observe how he handles pressure, how he plays freely when the team needs it, and how he shifts gears with ease. I’ve learned a lot just watching him. We talk about the game, and I always try to understand his mindset. After his injury, he came back and won the IPL Trophy with RCB — that shows his temperament. He’s a player who keeps evolving, and that motivates others around him.”

This theme — of learning from teammates and giving back to emerging cricketers — runs throughout Kartikeya’s journey. Having shared dressing rooms with IPL giants like Mumbai Indians and now Rajasthan Royals, he believes it’s his responsibility to share what he’s seen.