In a pre-fourth season International League T20 (ILT20) big move, Sri Lankan keeper-batter Kusal Mendis has been replaced by former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik at Sharjah Warriorz. The team is coached by ex-South African cricketer JP Duminy.
“I am highly thrilled to be part of the Sharjah Warriorz squad for the DP World ILT20 league. I understand they are a young team with big ambitions to do some special things, and I am glad to be here,” Karthik said in an official release.
Sharjah: A Legendary Stage Beckons
For Karthik, representing Sharjah Cricket Stadium is more than another franchise task. “Sharjah is one of those legends of the ground that every cricketer would want to play on. Being part of the Sharjah Warriorz is a dream come true,” he stated. Viewers can look forward to Karthik giving his best flair and experience to this young team.
Dinesh Karthik’s T20 Record
This transfer is the addition to Karthik’s prolific T20 resume. He played for Paarl Royals earlier this year in the SA20 and scored 97 runs off six innings. He is also batting coach for IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he coached explosive-hitting Australian Tim David, who now joins him at Sharjah Warriorz.
Karthik has a career of 20 years, having played 412 T20 matches, making 7,437 runs, and achieving 35 half-centuries at a strike rate of 136.66. He has played 60 T20 internationals for India, where he made 686 runs at a strike rate of 142.61. His leadership and experience will prove to be a goldmine for Sharjah Warriorz in ILT20 2025.
Coach JP Duminy Hails Karthik’s Impact
Warriorz head coach JP Duminy welcomed the signing. “Dinesh Karthik is one of the most seasoned and creative thinkers in T20 cricket. To have him with us is a big plus,” Duminy stated.
“The world has seen what he can do with the bat. His explosive game, energetic persona, and enormous experience will hugely help the young players during the tournament,” he continued.
