Dinesh Karthik to become first Indian SA20 player

Dinesh Karthik has signed with the SA20 outfit Paarl Royals and will be the first-ever Indian in this competition.

The 2025 SA20 season, which is the third edition of South Africa’s franchise T20 cricket league, is set to take place early next year.

Karthik has been included in an already talent-laden roster, with David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo and Lungi Ngidi also playing for the Royals.

The 39-year-old, who represented his country in all three formats between 2004 and 2022, was previously working as a batting coach at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

Karthik delighted to play in South Africa again

“I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa,” Karthik said.

“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.”

Before announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in June, Karthik played for RCB in the 2024 IPL.

In his farewell campaign, the wicketkeeper-batter returned an impressive 326 runs in 14 outings at a commendable strike rate of 187.36.

Karthik last represented his country against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

“I am delighted to be joining the Paarl Royals team, which oozes a lot of experience, quality and potential,” he added.

“I am certainly looking forward to joining the group and contributing to what should be an exciting season.”

Royals hopeful of winning first SA20 title

The Paarl Royals faithful will be hoping Karthik’s presence can boost their chances of winning a maiden SA20 crown.

Cricket bookmakers have not yet posted odds for the 2025 SA20 games, which are scheduled to start on January 9, 2025.

That said, we can expect the Royals to enter the fray as one of the favourites after reaching the playoffs in each of the first two editions.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape, however, should boast the shortest odds following back-to-back SA20 titles.

They made light work of Durban’s Super Giants in the final last year, picking up an 89-run victory to defend their 2023 crown.

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