The Sharjah Warriorz have made a significant move before the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) player auction, securing the services of seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. At 40 years old, Karthik steps in for Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, bringing an impressive two decades of cricketing expertise and a well-earned reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most explosive finishers.
Karthik’s illustrious career highlights include being a key member of India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy squads. He also tasted Indian Premier League (IPL) success in 2013 with the Mumbai Indians. More recently, Karthik showcased his leadership abilities as the batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their winning IPL 2025 season. This new stint sees him reunited with Tim David, with whom he previously collaborated at RCB.
Renowned for his powerful six-hitting prowess and unwavering composure in high-pressure situations, Karthik’s T20 record is impressive: 7,437 runs from 412 matches at a strike rate of 136.66, including 35 half-centuries. In 60 T20 Internationals for India, he maintained a strike rate of 142.61. His addition is poised to significantly strengthen the Sharjah Warriorz squad, which already boasts talents like captain Tim Southee, Sikandar Raza, Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Saurabh Netravalkar.
Karthik expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to join the Sharjah Warriorz for the ILT20 tournament. I recognize they are a young team with big ambitions, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that journey. Playing at Sharjah, one of cricket’s truly iconic stadiums, has always been a dream, and becoming a Sharjah Warrior makes that dream a reality.”
Head coach JP Duminy lauded the acquisition, calling it a “game-changer.” He remarked, “Dinesh Karthik brings unparalleled experience and an incredibly innovative approach to T20 cricket. I am absolutely delighted to have him on our side for the upcoming season. His explosive batting, vibrant personality, and vast knowledge will undoubtedly provide immense benefits to our younger players throughout the tournament.”
Sharjah Warriorz COO Kshemal Waingankar shared the palpable excitement, adding, “We are thrilled to welcome Dinesh Karthik, a true legend of Indian white-ball cricket, to our team. His exceptional work ethic, infectious energy, and remarkable ability to score rapidly will undoubtedly transform the Warriorz into an even more formidable and thrilling force on the field.”
As ILT20 Season 4 approaches later this year, Dinesh Karthik’s arrival could very well be the catalyst the Sharjah Warriorz need to launch a powerful bid for the championship title.