Dinesh Karthik Enters Legends League Cricket Post-Retirement, Embarks on a New Journey in his Career

New Delhi: Dinesh Karthik, a renowned finisher in white-ball cricket for India, has recently made a significant decision to join Legends League Cricket (LLC), embarking on a fresh journey in his esteemed career. Having bid farewell to international and domestic cricket earlier this year, Karthik is now ready to showcase his explosive batting and sharp wicket-keeping skills in the Legends League, captivating fans once again with his exceptional talent.

Karthik, renowned for his ability to finish games, quick reflexes behind the stumps, and recent success as a commentator, expressed his excitement about joining LLC. “Playing at the Legends League Cricket is definitely something I am looking forward to after my retirement. I am up to the task both mentally and physically and look forward to playing the brand of cricket I have always enjoyed. Most importantly, to the fans, thank you for your constant support and I hope to entertain you once again on the field,” Karthik said in a statement.

Throughout his career, Karthik has made significant contributions across formats. Representing India in 180 games, he amassed 3,463 runs with a single Test century and 17 half-centuries, along with 172 dismissals, mostly behind the stumps. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he accumulated 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties, and played for six different franchises. His IPL journey began with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008, and he went on to represent Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Raman Raheja, Co-founder of Legends League Cricket, welcomed Karthik with enthusiasm. “We are very excited to have Dinesh Karthik join us. His flair, his penchant to finish matches and entertain the crowd will undoubtedly add value to the Legends League Cricket. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends, further cementing our position as the second innings for legendary cricketers,” Raheja stated.

Karthik’s shift to LLC aligns with a growing trend among retired cricketing greats, including Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla, who have also joined the league post-retirement. The next season of Legends League Cricket is set to kick off in September 2024, featuring a lineup of retired cricket legends competing in a series of exhilarating matches.

The LLC auction, scheduled for September 29, 2024, in New Delhi, will see franchises vying for top talent from both Indian and international cricket, with over 200 players set to go under the hammer. Karthik’s participation is expected to draw substantial attention as fans eagerly anticipate his return to the field, following his legendary stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.