Sharjah, UAE: In a significant move ahead of the International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4 player auction, the Sharjah Warriorz have secured the services of seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. The 40-year-old talent steps in for Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, bringing an impressive two decades of cricketing experience and a formidable reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most explosive finishers.
Karthik’s career boasts an impressive resume. He was a crucial member of India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy squads. His accolades also include an IPL title win with Mumbai Indians in 2013. Demonstrating his versatility, Karthik recently embraced a leadership position as batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), guiding them to an IPL 2025 victory where he notably collaborated with Tim David, who will now rejoin him in the Sharjah Warriorz lineup.
Celebrated for his powerful six-hitting and composure in high-pressure situations, Karthik’s T20 record is remarkable. Across 412 matches, he has amassed 7,437 runs at a strike rate of 136.66, hitting 35 half-centuries. In 60 T20 Internationals for India, he maintained an even higher strike rate of 142.61. His inclusion is set to significantly strengthen the Sharjah Warriorz squad, which already features prominent names like captain Tim Southee, Sikandar Raza, Johnson Charles, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Saurabh Netravalkar.
Karthik shared his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Sharjah Warriorz for the upcoming ILT20 tournament. I know this is a vibrant, young team with big ambitions, and I’m thrilled to contribute. Playing at Sharjah, one of cricket’s iconic venues, has always been a dream, and joining the Sharjah Warriorz franchise makes that dream a reality.”
Head coach JP Duminy lauded Karthik’s acquisition, calling it a pivotal moment. “Dinesh Karthik brings unparalleled experience and an exceptionally innovative approach to T20 cricket,” Duminy commented. “I’m absolutely delighted to have him join our team for this season. His electrifying batting, engaging personality, and vast knowledge will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance and inspiration to our younger players throughout the tournament.”
Kshemal Waingankar, COO of Sharjah Warriorz, mirrored the excitement, remarking, “We are ecstatic to welcome Dinesh Karthik, a true legend of Indian white-ball cricket, to our ranks. His phenomenal work ethic, inspiring presence, and uncanny knack for quick scoring will undoubtedly transform the Warriorz into an even more formidable and thrilling team on the field.”
As ILT20 Season 4 approaches later this year, Dinesh Karthik’s arrival is anticipated to ignite a new spark within the Sharjah Warriorz, potentially propelling them towards a strong title contention.