Dinesh Karthik Set to Become First Indian Player in SA20
Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik is set to make history as the first Indian player to feature in the SA20 tournament, ESPNcricinfo has learned. The 39-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from Indian cricket, will join the Paarl Royals as an overseas player ahead of the new season starting on January 9.
Karthik, who featured in 180 international matches for India, last played in the IPL 2024 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have now signed him up as a mentor-cum-batting coach. On the T20 circuit, Karthik is highly respected by his peers for his sharp cricketing acumen and vast experience in the shortest format, having played 401 T20 matches, including stints with six different IPL teams, among them the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he also served as captain.
“Karthik’s fitness has been a hallmark of his career, as he has missed just two matches across 17 IPL seasons, cementing his reputation as one of the fittest players in the league.”
Only retired Indian players are permitted by the BCCI to participate in overseas T20 leagues. In recent years, several Indian veterans have taken advantage of this opportunity, with Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina featuring in tournaments such as the CPL, ILT20, and Abu Dhabi T10.
As Karthik embarks on this new chapter in the SA20, the Paarl Royals have announced their squad retentions, with captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo among the key players retained. The Royals reached the Qualifiers in the previous SA20 edition but suffered five consecutive losses, including a heavy nine-wicket defeat in the Eliminator against the Joburg Super Kings.
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