Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik surprised the cricketing world by declaring his return to competitive cricket. Karthik will be donning the playing gear once more to take part in the upcoming SA20 tournament in South Africa, just over two months after retiring from all forms of the game.
The 39-year-old is the first Indian cricket player to play in the South African Twenty20 league after agreeing to a contract with the Paarl Royals. Given Karthik’s recent job duties as a brand ambassador for the SA20, the statement was unexpected.
It’s a risky move for Karthik to come out of retirement, and it will be interesting to watch how his body handles the demands of playing competitive cricket.
But his wealth of knowledge and track record as a finisher might make him an invaluable member of the Paarl Royals.
Regarding Indian players playing in foreign leagues, the BCCI has specific regulations. Only retired cricketers are allowed to do so. Karthik’s decision to step away from all game formats in February made it possible for him to take part in the SA20.
Dinesh Karthik Batting Record
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 26 | 42 | 1 | 1025 | 129 | 25.0 | 2080 | 49.28 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 134 | 4 |
| ODI | 94 | 79 | 21 | 1752 | 79 | 30.21 | 2392 | 73.24 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 176 | 15 |
| T20I | 60 | 48 | 22 | 686 | 55 | 26.38 | 481 | 142.62 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 71 | 28 |
| IPL | 257 | 234 | 50 | 4842 | 97 | 26.32 | 3577 | 135.36 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 466 | 161 |
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