Dinesh Karthik Makes History in SA20 League
Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian to compete in South Africa’s SA20 league. Karthik took to the field for the Paarl Royals as a replacement for England’s Jos Buttler in the league’s third match against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
A New Chapter in Competitive Cricket
At 39 years old, Karthik, who retired from international cricket and the IPL last year, expressed his excitement for participating in the SA20. He praised the league, stating, “I genuinely believe this is the best comp after the IPL. So, I wanted to play some real competitive cricket and I don’t think there is a better tournament than this.” His enthusiasm for the talent-rich environment of the SA20 was evident as he noted, “A lot of good talent out here… I’m pretty amazed to see how much talent is out here.”
Joining the Royals
Karthik’s decision to join the Paarl Royals was influenced by his desire to be part of a team with which he had a personal connection. “I always wanted to be part of the Royals setup. A lot of my friends played in the Royals setup, so when the offer came along, I was more than happy to accept it,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Having retired from all formats of the game, Karthik is now eligible to play in overseas leagues, as per the current BCCI policy. His participation in the SA20 marks a significant milestone not just for him, but also for Indian cricket as it opens doors for future players to explore international opportunities.
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