Dinesh Karthik reverses retirement, set to play for Paarl Royals in SA20 2025

Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik has reversed his retirement from professional cricket and will return to action for the Paarl Royals in the upcoming SA20 League, the franchise announced on Tuesday.

Karthik, 39, had announced his retirement from all cricket at the end of the IPL 2024 season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Karthik’s decision also comes a day after he was named as one of the ambassadors for the SA20 League.

Karthik, roped in as one of the overseas recruits for the third season by the Royals, will become the first Indian to play in the South Africa-based franchise league.

“I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa, and when this opportunity came about, I couldn’t say no because of how special it would be to come back to playing competitive cricket and win this incredible competition with the Royals,” Karthik said in a release shared by the Royals.

Entering the ground again as a player. This time in Africa 🇿🇦 https://t.co/Snn910oIcg

— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 6, 2024

“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. 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,” Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara said.

The BCCI allows only retired Indian players to ply their trade in foreign leagues. Karthik will join the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa among the recent retired stars to play in overseas franchise tournaments.

On June 1, 2024, Karthik had called it quits after RCB lost to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. Karthik was also later named as RCB’s mentor and batting coach. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible. Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead,” Karthik had posted on X.

Karthik has featured in 401 T20Is, scoring over 7000 runs while effecting nearly 300 dismissals as a wicket-keeper.

The Royals had announced their retentions last week. Karthik is slated to join the likes of captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo in the side.

The SA20 League is slated to run from January 9 to February 8 in 2025.

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)

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