Former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik was signed by Paarl Royals on Tuesday for the third season of the SA20, making him the first Indian cricketer to feature in the South African league starting on January 9. He has been roped in by IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore as a mentor and batting coach since June this year. “I have many fond memories of playing and touring South Africa, and when this opportunity came up I couldn’t say no to how special it would be to return to competitive cricket and win this incredible match with the Royals. Karthik said, who has played 180 matches for India in all three formats.

His last competitive T20 outing was for RCB in IPL 2024, for whom he scored 326 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 187.36.

Karthik’s last match in India colors was against Bangladesh during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I am delighted to be joining a Paarl Royals squad that has a wealth of experience, quality and potential. I am certainly looking forward to joining the group and contributing to what should be an exciting season,” Karthik, who was added to the team. The league ambassador said the day before.

Royals’ director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, hoped to benefit from Karthik’s extensive T20 experience.

“Dinesh has been one of the modern-day greats for India in white-ball cricket, and his wealth of experience will help shape our team.

“He has always been a huge asset to the teams he represents in the leagues with the way he approaches the game and the impact he can make,” Sangakkara said.

At the Royals, Karthik will be joined by other international stars like captain David Miller, Joe Root, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phahlukwayo and Koena Mafaka.

(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)