IPL 2022: MI sign Kumar Kartikeya as a replacement for injured Arshad Khan

Mumbai Indians left-arm medium bowler Arshad Khan has been ruled out of the IPL 2022 season after picking up an injury. Madhya Pradesh left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya has been added into the side as his replacement. Arshad is yet to make his debut in IPL and the 24-year-old has played just the three List A games so far in his domestic career. He was brought in by Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022 mega auction at his base price of INR 20 Lakh.

However, his departure from the tournament will see the introduction of exciting young talent Kartikeya as the latter will be part of the Mumbai Indians set up for the remainder of IPL 2022. Kartikeya will join the side for the same price that was offered to Arshad and it will be interesting to see if Kartikeya gets a chance in the Mumbai Indians colours unlike Arshad.

Kartikeya has played nine first-class games and 19 List A matches, picking up 35 and 18 wickets respectively so far in his domestic career. He had a fine run in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he picked up five wickets in five games at an impressive economy rate of 5.05. However, with Hrithik Shokeen doing well, it will be tough for the 24-year-old Kartikeya to make the playing XI directly.

Mumbai Indians out of the race for a playoff spot

With eight losses in eight successive games, Mumbai Indians are out of the race for a playoff spot and the five time champions are yet to register a victory this season. The Rohit Sharma-led side have been struggling with their overseas contingent and their auction strategy of going for Jofra Archer despite his unavailability has been questioned as well.

However, the franchise have got their bases covered with the talented youngsters like Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma who have been playing some mind-blowing knock already. Mumbai Indians will be up against the against Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday (May 1).