Dinesh Karthik is expected to make his SA20 debut as the first Indian player. Before the new season begins on January 9, Karthik will sign with the Paarl Royals as an overseas player, according to information obtained by ESPNcricinfo.
Karthik announced his retirement from “representative cricket” on June 1st, the day he turned 39. This will be his first competition since. Karthik, who has played 180 international matches for India, last appeared for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League in 2024. The team has since recruited him as a mentor and batting coach.
Because of his extensive knowledge of the shortest format, Karthik is regarded by his colleagues as one of the smartest pundits on the T20 circuit. Karthik, who is presently covering the Hundred for Sky Sports, has played for six clubs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including the dominant Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has also appeared in 401 T20s. Having missed just two games in 17 seasons, Karthik was also one of the IPL’s fittest players.
“I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa,” said Karthik. “I couldn’t say no when this opportunity arose because I knew how amazing it would be to return to playing competitive cricket and defeat the Royals in this amazing league.
“Even though I didn’t have the chance to represent the Royals in the IPL, to me it was always a franchise setup and environment that was very attractive as a player. I am delighted to be joining the Paarl Royals team which oozes a lot of experience, quality and potential. I am certainly looking forward to joining the group and contributing to what should be an exciting season.”
The BCCI only permits former Indian players to play in international T20 leagues. Ambati Rayudu played for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL last year, and he also appeared for MI Emirates in the ILT20 in January 2024. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan played for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Suresh Raina played for Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 two years ago.
Last week, the Paarl Royals made their roster decisions for the upcoming season known. Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, and captain David Miller were among those who were retained. In the most recent SA20 tournament, the Royals qualified for the Eliminator but lost five straight games, including a nine-wicket beating at the hands of the Johannesburg Super Kings.
“Dinesh has served as one of the modern day greats for India in white ball cricket, and his wealth of experience will contribute to the making of our side for Season 3,” Kumar Sangakkara, Royals’ director of cricket, said. “He has always proved to be a great asset for the teams he’s represented across leagues for the way he approaches the game and the impact he can make, so it’s an exciting signing for us and we look forward to having him with the group at Paarl.”
Paarl Royals squad
David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dayyaan Galiem (traded in)