After Shikhar Dhawan declared his presence in the upcoming Legends League Cricket season, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik too showed involvement in the tournament.
Karthik, who hung his boots this June after the IPL 2024 season, was set to play his last few games for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He retired as one of the dynamic middle-order batsmen and swift wicketkeepers-an in-office commentator also-so the coming of Karthik to LLC is a new exciting time in his distinguished career.
I just can't wait to get going in Legends League Cricket after my retirement. I am ready for it mentally and physically and excited to play the brand of cricket that has always been my favorite. I take this opportunity to thank the fans who have supported me unconditionally and look to provide them with more entertainment on the field," said an excited Karthik, 39.
Karthik has had a decent career. In 180 international games, he scored 3,463 runs-including a solitary Test ton and 17 fifties-with 172 dismissals-most of them behind the stumps. He played 257 matches in the IPL, scoring 4,842 runs and is tied at the second spot with Rohit Sharma, besides hitting 22 fifties during this period.
Karthik's IPL career spanned 17 years for as many as six franchises. He started his maiden season in the inaugural 2008 season for the Delhi Daredevils, now known as the Delhi Capitals, before turning out for Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Raman Raheja, Co-founder of LLC, welcomed Karthik to the league, said, "We are very excited to have Dinesh Karthik join us. His flair and 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 out position as the 2nd innings for legendary cricketers".
The Legends League Cricket, starring a host ofessentially retired cricket stars pitted against one another over a series of nail-biting matches, probably gets underway from September 2024.
The LLC auction is scheduled on August 29 in New Delhi, where franchises are going to go for top talent from both Indian and international cricket with over 200 players coming into the auction.
Earlier, Karthik was signed by the Paarl Royals for SA20 Season 3, thus making him the first Indian in the league.
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