As the excitement for IPL 2025 builds, the performances of players in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) become crucial indicators of what’s to come. For Rajasthan Royals, two players, Abid Mushtaq and Kumar Kartikeya, have emerged as potential game-changers following their impressive showings in SMAT 2024. This article explores their journey through the domestic season, shedding light on how their skills might translate into success for the Royals in the upcoming IPL.
Abid Mushtaq:
Abid Mushtaq, the Jammu & Kashmir left-arm spinner, has been a revelation in the recent SMAT season. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, his performances caught the eye once again, leading to his inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals squad as a replacement player. In SMAT 2024, Mushtaq took 12 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of 7.8, showcasing his ability to control the middle overs and provide breakthroughs when needed.
Mushtaq’s bowling style is deceptive; he uses variations in pace and flight to confuse batsmen, making him particularly effective on pitches that offer even a minimal turn. His economy rate, despite being in the higher side, is reflective of his strategy to restrict scoring rather than go for wickets, which is invaluable in T20 cricket where every run counts. For Rajasthan Royals, who have historically struggled to find a consistent spinner, Mushtaq could be the answer, providing balance to their bowling attack alongside the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.
His journey from not being picked in the auction to earning a spot due to his domestic performances is a testament to the importance of SMAT in shaping IPL teams. His inclusion adds depth to the Royals’ squad, offering them a strategic asset in the middle overs where the game often pivots.
Kumar Kartikeya:
Kumar Kartikeya from Madhya Pradesh, another left-arm spinner, has also made a significant impact for Rajasthan Royals. Purchased for his base price of INR 30 Lakhs in the IPL 2025 auction, Kartikeya proved his worth in SMAT 2024 by taking 15 wickets in 7 matches, emerging as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. His performance was characterized by a great control over line and length, with an economy rate that made him a bowler teams feared facing.
Kartikeya’s bowling is marked by its simplicity yet effectiveness; he relies on accuracy rather than extravagance, making him a classic left-arm orthodox spinner who can exploit any turn available. His role in the Royals’ lineup could be as a foil to the more aggressive spin options, providing consistency and pressure, which often leads to wickets at the other end.
The combination of Mushtaq and Kartikeya could give Rajasthan Royals a formidable spin attack in IPL 2025, especially in conditions that favor spinners. Their ability to bowl in tandem could be a tactical advantage, offering different challenges to the opposition batsmen and potentially dictating the pace of the game in the middle overs.
The success of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 might well hinge on how well they integrate talents like Mushtaq and Kartikeya into their game plan. Both players have shown they can perform under pressure in domestic cricket, but translating that into IPL success requires not just skill but also the temperament to perform on a bigger stage against international stars.
For Rajasthan Royals, the strategy will involve leveraging these players’ strengths, perhaps using Mushtaq more as a containment bowler while allowing Kartikeya to seek wickets. Their performances in SMAT 2024 have set high expectations, and the cricketing world will be watching to see if they can replicate their domestic form in the IPL.
The IPL 2025 season for Rajasthan Royals could be significantly influenced by the contributions of Abid Mushtaq and Kumar Kartikeya. Their journey from SMAT to IPL is not just about personal growth but also about how domestic cricket continues to feed into the IPL’s talent pool, providing teams with fresh and dynamic players capable of altering the course of the tournament. As we edge closer to IPL 2025, these performances in SMAT 2024 serve as a beacon of hope for Royals fans, promising a season filled with exciting cricket.
