Dinesh Karthik Signs with Sharjah Warriorz for ILT20 2025, Replaces Kusal Mendis

Dinesh Karthik Signs with Sharjah Warriorz for ILT20 2025, Replaces Kusal Mendis

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been signed by Sharjah Warriorz as a replacement player for the upcoming DP World ILT20 season in the UAE. The announcement came just a day before the league's first-ever player auction, scheduled for October 1.

Karthik, 40, steps in for Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to scheduling clashes with the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2025. Mendis, along with fellow Sri Lankan Dasun Shanaka, had to opt out after the LPL’s calendar overlapped with ILT20 dates. Shanaka was previously retained by Dubai Capitals, the defending champions.

This marks Karthik’s fourth franchise stint outside the IPL since his retirement from Indian and international cricket in June 2024. He previously represented:

  • Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10

  • Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League

  • Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20

A Veteran Returns to the Field

Karthik expressed excitement about joining the Warriorz and playing at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

"I am very excited to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament," said Karthik. "Sharjah is one of those iconic stadiums one always wants to play at. To be a part of this franchise is a dream come true."

The move also reunites Karthik with Tim David, with whom he won the IPL 2025 title at Royal Challengers Bengaluru — albeit in his role as batting coach and mentor.

JP Duminy Welcomes “Innovative” Karthik

Warriorz head coach JP Duminy praised Karthik’s signing, calling him an “incredibly innovative mind” in the T20 format.

"The whole world has seen what he is capable of with the bat," Duminy said. "His explosive batting, dynamic personality, and immense experience will surely benefit the younger players significantly."

T20 Legacy and Record

Karthik brings a wealth of experience in the shortest format:

  • 412 T20 matches

  • 7,537 runs at an average of 27.01 and a strike rate of 136.66

  • In the IPL, he played for six different teams, captaining Kolkata Knight Riders and maintaining a near-unbroken presence for 17 seasons, missing only two matches.

In the upcoming ILT20 season, fans could see him share the field with or face R Ashwin, his former India and Tamil Nadu teammate. Ashwin has entered the ILT20 auction as the highest base-price player, the only one listed with a six-figure reserve. Also shortlisted is Piyush Chawla, another veteran spinner from India, with a base price of USD 40,000.