Murali Kartik is a former Indian international cricketer, primarily known for his leftarm orthodox spin bowling. Born on September 11, 1976, Kartik began his domestic cricket career representing Railways before moving to Surrey in England, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in different playing conditions. He made his international debut for India in 2000 and played sporadically for the national team until 2007. While he wasn't a regular feature in the Indian squad, he proved to be a valuable asset in limitedovers formats, particularly in home conditions where his spin bowling was highly effective.

Kartik was known for his deceptive flight, subtle variations in pace, and ability to extract turn from the pitch. He possessed a classical leftarm spinner's action and was a thinking bowler, often outsmarting batsmen with his strategic approach. Although he faced stiff competition from other established spinners in the Indian team, he consistently performed well whenever given the opportunity. One of his most memorable performances came in a Test match against Australia in Mumbai in 2004, where he took seven wickets.

Beyond his international career, Kartik was a prominent figure in Indian domestic cricket, representing various teams including Railways, Bengal, and Somerset. He captained Bengal for a period and was respected for his leadership qualities and tactical acumen. He also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for several teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors India, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. After retiring from all forms of cricket, Kartik transitioned into commentary and has become a wellrespected voice in the cricketing world, known for his insightful analysis and articulate commentary. He continues to be involved in the sport, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring cricketers and fans alike.