Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first on winning the toss looked surprising but Kartikeya (4/53) combined with off-spinner Saransh Jain (5/49) to bundle out South Zone for a mere 149 runs to justify their skipper’s call.

In reply, Central were off to a good start, reaching 50/0 at the draw of stumps.

Having only got a chance to play in the final because fellow left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey got picked for the India A side to play against Australia A, Kartikeya said he was determined to make an impact.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. In my mind, whatever chance I get, even if I get only one chance, I have to make it count,” Kartikeya, who returned figures of 21-1-53-4 said after the day’s play.

In 38 first-class games, the Madhya Pradesh player has taken 168 wickets including nine fifers, but it was his first Duleep Trophy game in two seasons and also the first red-ball match of the 2025-26 season.

“Before this, I played in the Duleep Trophy two years ago and picked eight wickets in a game. After that, I was performing but the opportunities did not come. But after a few players went to India A, I got a chance and I saw this chance as an opportunity and wanted to perform,” he said.

Talking about his game plan against the South Zone batters, the 27-year-old said he focussed on building pressure.

“When I saw the wicket, I thought I would not find any help. I just wanted to keep bowling in the right areas and not give away runs easily. I saw the results of the recent games and wanted to be economical and put the batters under pressure. Just wanted to stick to my basics.”

The opening day’s pitch had some help for the pace bowlers but it was Kartikeya’s partnership with his MP teammate, Saransh, that made the difference.

“I have been playing quite a bit with Saransh. We understand each other, our bowling patterns are similar. We bowl in partnerships, try to not leak runs and create pressure. It has helped us and will help us in the future.”