The former India batsman-wicketkeeper was introduced as a replacement one day prior to the first player auction for the ILT20.
Dinesh Karthik, a former India batsman and wicketkeeper, has joined Sharjah Warriorz for the forthcoming ILT20 season in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to the league’s first player auction on October 1. Warriorz announced Karthik as a replacement for Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
While serving as a batting coach and consultant for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karthik, 40 will rejoin with the big-hitting Tim David with whom he won the 2025 Indian Premier League at Warriorz.
Karthik released a statement saying, “I am thrilled to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament.” I’m glad to be here, and I know they’re a young team hoping to accomplish some unique things. One of those famous venue. Where one usually desires to play is Sharjah. Being a part of the Sharjah Warriorz franchise is an absolute dream come true.
Dinesh Karthik
JP Duminy, the head coach of the Warriorz, welcomed Karthik onto the team. When it comes to T20 cricket, Dinesh Karthik is among the most seasoned players and has a really creative mind. I’m happy to have him on our side, Duminy added. He has demonstrated his batting prowess to the entire world, and his explosive style, lively demeanor, and wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly help the younger players throughout the competition. I’m excited to collaborate with him in-depth.
Karthik will be playing in franchise cricket for the fourth time outside of the IPL. He previously played for the Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20, the Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League, and the Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10. In June 2024, Karthik retired from Indian and international cricket to venture into the world franchise circuit.
Karthik has many years of T20 experience; in 412 games thus far. He has scored 7537 runs with a strike rate of 136.66 and an average of 27.01. He participated in the IPL for six clubs. Including the top-seeded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was also one of the IPL’s fittest players, missing just two games in 17 seasons.
In the upcoming ILT20 season, Karthik might play either with or against his old teammate from Tamil Nadu and India, R Ashwin. Ashwin, the only player with a base price in six figures, has the highest base price going into the ILT20 auction. Piyush Chawla, a former legspinner for India. is also on the shortlist for the auction, with a starting price of $40,000.
Mendis has pulled out, as has all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. Who was previously kept by the reigning champions Dubai Capitals, as the LPL 2025 clashes with the ILT20.
