Rajasthan Royals’ spinner Kumar Kartikeya made the most of his Impact Player role against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday. He claimed the big scalp of Phil Salt while also sharing a moment in the spotlight with Virat Kohli after the dismissal.

Chasing a target of 174, Phil Salt had taken on the RR bowlers from ball one at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and even smashed Kartikeya for a six. However, the Royals’ left-arm spinner had done his homework and struck back with a clever mix of deliveries.

“Phil Salt was in good touch, but he had never faced me,” Kartikeya said after the match. “I thought I had an advantage and that I could trap him with a mix of googlies, leg-spin and carrom ball. So I had planned and executed accordingly.

“When he (Salt) hit a six, Virat bhai shouted, ‘Come on.’ I looked at him and he looked back at me. I didn’t say anything then, but later, when I got Phil Salt out, I put my hands up and said, ‘Come on.’ That’s when Virat turned and looked at me. I told him, ‘I’m not saying anything to you,’” Kartikeya smiled. “Later, he shook my hand and said, ‘well bowled.’”

Kartikeya ended his spell with figures of 1/25 from three overs. He was the most economical bowler for the Royals in the match.

It was Kartikeya’s third outing of IPL 2025 and all three appearances have come as an Impact Player. However, the 27-year-old bowler says he's always game-ready, even if he doesn't make the starting XI.

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“Among the 15 in the squad, anyone can be called up on any given day. So you need to be mentally prepared always. That’s why I always prepare myself like I’m playing in the game - in practice and during warm-ups.”

The Royals eventually fell short by nine wickets but Kartikeya is confident the Royals can bounce back. “Our focus now will be on how to make a comeback. It’s very important to bounce back. Good teams are those who bounce back fast from setbacks,” he said. “The tournament is neck and neck between all teams.”

Rajasthan Royals have registered two wins and suffered four losses in IPL 2025. They will aim to return to winning ways when they face Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.