Dinesh Karthik is poised to become the first Indian to compete in the South African T20 league, SA20, next year. Recently retired from all forms of cricket, Karthik will make a comeback with the Paarl Royals, an affiliate of the IPL's Rajasthan Royals.
Following a triumphant IPL season in 2024, Karthik chose to retire despite being in peak physical condition and having the option to continue for another IPL cycle. In a post-season interview, he revealed that although he could have prolonged his career, he felt it was the right moment to retire. He was subsequently named batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team he had represented in two separate stints. However, he decided to return to the field for an opportunity he found irresistible.
Karthik expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, reminiscing about his positive experiences in South Africa. He described the chance to play competitive cricket again and compete with the Royals as one he could not decline.
Despite participating in every IPL season since its inception, Karthik has never played for Rajasthan Royals. He mentioned that the Royals' franchise had always appealed to him, and he is thrilled to join the Paarl Royals team, which he believes boasts significant experience, quality, and potential. He eagerly anticipates contributing to an exciting season.
Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals' Director of Cricket, lauded Karthik as one of India's modern greats in white-ball cricket. Sangakkara emphasised Karthik's vast experience and his positive influence on the teams he has played for. He expressed excitement about Karthik's signing and looked forward to his contributions to the Paarl Royals.
Karthik will join the team led by David Miller, which reached the semifinals in the first season (2024) and was eliminated in the second season's Eliminator (2024). The third season of the SA20 league is scheduled from January 8 to February 9, 2025.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler, who missed this year's Hundred due to injury, shared his disappointment on Instagram, wishing the Manchester Originals luck for the remainder of the season and expressing his determination to regain full fitness soon. Buttler has been plagued by calf injuries in recent years, including a strain two years ago that sidelined him from England's seven T20Is in Pakistan and nearly jeopardised his participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In Buttler's absence, the Originals, who were runners-up in the last two men's Hundred editions, have struggled. Phil Salt, his opening partner, has stepped in as captain but has managed only 23 runs in three innings, leaving the batting lineup noticeably weak at the start of the season.
Simon Katich, the Originals' coach, initially planned to bring in Keaton Jennings, Lancashire's club captain, as Buttler's replacement. However, the move was stalled due to uncertainty over Buttler's status, and Jennings has since signed with London Spirit. The Originals have yet to announce a new replacement ahead of Sunday's match against Northern Superchargers.