Dinesh Karthik, known to be one of the finest finishers in white-ball cricket, has signed up with Legends League Cricket after announcing his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket recently. The release further stated that an explosive middle-order batsman, quicker behind the stumps, and a voice which many had come to enjoy on the commentator’s microphone off late, Karthik will now look to write a new chapter in his cricketing journey with LLC.
Still, in another report, Karthik spoke of his excitement to be part of the Legends League Cricket. He enthused thus, “Playing at the Legends League Cricket is definitely something I am looking forward to after my retirement. I am up to the task both mentally and physically, and look forward to playing the brand of cricket I have always enjoyed. Most importantly, to the fans, thank you for your constant support, and I hope to entertain you once again on the field.”
In his career, Karthik took part in 180 international matches and gathered 3,463 runs, including one Test century and 17 half-centuries, with effecting 172 dismissals mainly as a wicketkeeper. Of his IPL career, Karthik accumulated 4,842 runs from 257 matches, the all-time joint second run-getter with Rohit Sharma, including 22 fifties.
Karthik has played for six franchises in 17 years of the tournament: from Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals in 2008 to Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Welcoming Karthik, co-founder of Legends League Cricket, Raman Raheja said in a statement, “We are really excited to have Dinesh Karthik on board. His flair, his penchant to finish matches and entertain the crowd will add value no doubt to the Legends League Cricket. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends, further cementing our position as the 2nd innings for legendary cricketers.”
Many a great of world cricket has shifted to the LLC post their retirement, with others like Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla adapting to the requirements with élan. It all kicks off in September 2024 when huge games of cricket are being arranged involving a team of retired cricket legends. The entry of a player of Karthik’s caliber is bound to generate a lot of interest, more so coming on the back of a productive IPL campaign for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Over 200 players will go under the hammer in the LLC auction starting on August 29 in New Delhi, as franchises try to get the biggest stars of the game from Indian and international cricket into their fold.