The five times IPL champions are undergoing a major restructuring for IPL 2023 after their dismal performance in the competition last year. Their commitment to getting themselves back on track was visible during the transfer window. MI released as many as 13 players from their squad including big names like Kieron Pollard, Tymal Mills, Daniel Sams and Riley Meredith. They also added Jason Behrendoff to their squad when they traded him from RCB.
Amidst all this restructuring, legendary India spinner and ex-PBKS head coach Anil Kumble came out with an interesting comment. Kumble said that the MI squad is lacking an “ace” or “marquee” spinner who can win matches singlehandedly. He also suggested a name that could prove to be MI’s trump card in the upcoming IPL season.
Kumble is currently a member of the IPL auction expert panel on JioCinema. He said that if the Indians are not looking for an ace-spinning option, they have one in their squad. His name is Kumar Kartikeya. If MI grooms Kartikeya before the next IPL, it would not only benefit them but he can also represent India in the coming days.
Kumble said the MI does not have Indian options in this department when they engage in the auction war on December 23. If they incline toward an Indian mystery spinner then they might go for Piyush Chawla or Amit Mishra. On the contrary, there are several overseas options that they can look up to like Adam Zampa, Tabraiz Shamsi and Adil Rashid.
Kumble seemed to put a lot of weight behind Kartikeya during the event. He said, if groomed properly, this lad can become a genuine bowling all-rounder as he is a wonderful middle-order batter as well.