Dinesh Karthik Joins Sharjah Warriorz for Maiden ILT20 Season

Dinesh Karthik has joined the Sharjah Warriorz for his maiden International League T20 (ILT20) season, replacing Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis. Karthik, a former Indian international player and IPL champion with Mumbai Indians in 2013, brings vast T20 experience, having played 412 matches and scored 7,437 runs with 35 half-centuries and a strike rate of 136.66. He recently retired from Indian cricket after the 2024 IPL season and served as batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL title in 2025. Sharjah Warriorz head coach JP Duminy praised Karthik's explosive batting, dynamic personality, and innovative cricketing mind, highlighting the benefit his experience will bring to younger players. Karthik expressed excitement about joining the young, aspiring Sharjah team and playing at the iconic Sharjah stadium, calling it a dream come true. His addition strengthens the Warriorz's batting lineup, especially with his finishing skills and six-hitting ability, and he will team up with notable players like Tim David and Tim Southee during the tournament.