SA20 2025: More Indian players might play SA20 in the future, reckons Dinesh Karthik

The first two editions of the SA20 proved to be a massive success, and the third season kicked off on January 9 at St George's Park in Gqeberha. MI Cape Town thrashed defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 97 runs.

The likes of Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Trent Boult are set to make SA20 2025 the grandest edition of the competition, yet, but the tournament will also in the headlines with first ever appearance by an Indian player--Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik, who retired from international cricket and IPL in 2024, has signed up with the Paarl Royals. The 39-year-old, however, reckons more Indian players could follow suit in the coming years.

"Anybody who's done with playing IPL will always look at SA20 because it's the strongest comp. You get the best of players,” Karthik said on Friday, when asked if his presence will make other veteran Indian players partake in the competition.

Karthik, whose last appearance in professional cricket came in IPL 2024, spoke about how South Africa has a special place in his heart because of the fond memories it’s provided him. Notably, it was in South Africa that Karthik and India won their first-ever T20 World Cup back in 2007.

"Some of my best memories have come from South Africa, like winning the T20 World Cup and being part of something so special and that also started a very big trend in Indian cricket. It's called the IPL today," he said.

"Things like that originated because of what happened in South Africa. So, I have very fond memories and I like the place in general."

Karthik, 39, is a marquee player this season, but he made it clear that he’s signed up not just to win matches for Paarl Royals but to mentor young South African players and help them become ‘the best version of themselves’.

"One of the reasons why I've been picked here is not only just to come and showcase my skills as a batter or a keeper, but also help in the growth of young South African players to become the best version of themselves,” Karthik said.

“So whenever I've had the opportunity, I've had chats with them.

"I always feel knowledge learned is one side of it, but knowledge shared is a lot more fruitful. So in my experience, whenever a youngster comes and speaks to me about the sport, I'm happy to share my experiences. That is the least I could do."