‘Entering as Player Again’: Dinesh Karthik Confirms Return to Cricket After Retirement in IPL 2024

Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirement from cricket after the conclusion of IPL 2024 has sensationally returned to cricket as the former India wicketkeeper-batsman confirmed that he will play for South African franchise Paarl Royal in SA20 in January 2025. 

Paarl Royals confirmed the signing of Dinesh Karthik on Tuesday when they announced his signing in a special video posted on X with the caption Batter. Finisher. Keeper. 

To which Dinesh Karthik confirmed his arrival saying, “Entering the ground again as a player. This time in Africa”.  

First Indian player in SA20 2024

Ahead of the third instalment of South Africa's premier T20 League the SA20, Dinesh Karthik was announced as the official brand ambassador for the league in 2024.  

But as it turns out, not only will he be a brand ambassador for the league but now, he will also participate as a player. 

When Dinesh Karthik steps foot on the field to represent the Rajasthan Royals-backed Paarl Royals franchise, he will become the first Indian player to play in the SA20. 

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Dinesh Karthik had announced he was retiring from all forms of games back in May 2024 after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2024 campaign came to an end against Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator. However, DK wasn't to be kept off the field for long as the 39-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will be aiming to light up the cricket grounds in South Africa with his squash buckling finishing. 

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Earlier Dinesh Karthik had also been announced as the new batting coach for RCB from the 2025 season onwards. Karthik had recently been enjoying broadcasting duties during the T20 World Cup but now he returns to the Cricket field. 

The third edition of SA20 is scheduled to start from January 8 2025 and will last until February 9, 2025.