Cariappa began his career as a fast bowling all-rounder before switching to orthodox round-arm bowling.
Until joining the Social Cricket Club in Bangalore, the spinner competed in several tennis ball tournaments. He went on to compete in the Karnataka Premier League after that.
He was the third top wicket taker for Bijapur Bulls in the Karnataka Primer League in 2014, with 11 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.
Cariappa shocked everyone in the 2014 IPL trials when Gautam Gambhir absolutely struggled to read his bowling. Gambhir then instructed his teammates to keep an eye out for the spinner.
Despite his low starting price of INR 10 lakh, Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for INR 2.4 crores after a fierce fight with Delhi Daredevils.
Ricky Ponting once compared him to Indian cricketer Sunil Narine.
Kings XI Punjab signed him for INR 80 lakh during the 2016 IPL auctions, but he has struggled to find a permanent place in the squad.
