Dinesh Karthik Embarks on ILT20 Journey, Joins Sharjah Warriorz for Season 4 Debut

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik is set to make his debut in the International League T20 (ILT20), having been signed by Sharjah Warriorz for the upcoming fourth season of the tournament. Karthik replaces Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis in the JP Duminy-coached Sharjah side.

An IPL champion with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, Karthik was also a member of the Indian team that won both the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket in 2024, Karthik served as the batting coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, who won their maiden IPL title in 2025.

Karthik expressed excitement on joining Sharjah, calling it a ‘dream come true’ moment.

“I am very excited to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament. I know they are a young team, aspiring to do some special things, and I am happy to be here. Sharjah is also one of those iconic stadiums one always wants to play at. And to be a part of the franchise Sharjah Warriorz, makes a dream come true,” said Karthik in a media release.

Co-incidentally, at RCB in IPL 2025, Karthik had worked closely with the big-hitting Tim David, who is one of the overseas players for the Sharjah Warriorz in Season 4 of the ILT20. Karthik, who began his international cricket career in 2004, is renowned for his abilities as a strong finisher. Usually seen to be the aggressor in the final phases of a T20 innings, the former Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain, will further strengthen the Sharjah Warriorz’s batting unit.

In a career that spanned across two decades, Karthik has played 412 T20 games, batted in 364 innings, amassed 7,437 runs, with 35 half-centuries to his name, and a strike-rate of 136.66. In the India colours, he has played 60 T20I matches and gone on to make 686 runs from 48 innings at a strike-rate of 142.61. Meanwhile, Karthik was recently named captain of the Indian team for the Hong Kong Sixes tournament.