Karthik and Root Boost Paarl Royals for SA20

Kumar Sangakkara praised Dinesh Karthik as a top T20 finisher globally, highlighting his crucial role for Paarl Royals in the SA20 league. As the first Indian player in the competition, Karthik joins a balanced squad alongside Joe Root, aiming to build on past playoff performances.

Renowned Sri Lankan cricket icon and current Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, has hailed former Indian cricket player Dinesh Karthik as one of the premier finishers in T20 cricket globally. Karthik, poised to play for Paarl Royals in the upcoming SA20 season, marks a significant milestone as the first Indian to compete in this format, confirmed by the franchise in August. Positioned as Royals' Director of Cricket, Sangakkara will closely collaborate with Karthik.

Karthik, affectionately known as DK, is celebrated for his finishing prowess in white-ball cricket. His international cricket tenure was stellar, including significant contributions to India's victories in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2013. In his illustrious career, Karthik played 180 matches in various formats for India, achieving 172 dismissals and amassing 3,463 runs with notable contributions in both bat and glove. Particularly in T20 format, he's established commendable stats with 7,407 runs in 401 matches and a strike rate of 136.96, underlining his two-decade-long consistency.

This year, Karthik made a formidable mark in IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a pivotal role in the team reaching playoffs. Scoring 326 runs across 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 187.36, his two half-centuries were crucial. Sangakkara, discussing crucial player additions like Joe Root and Karthik post-Jos Buttler's departure, emphasized their invaluable experience and roles in the team. He highlighted Joe Root's profound influence in the IPL and stressed on how Karthik's explosive capabilities make him a world-class T20 finisher. The pair is expected to evenly shoulder the batting responsibilities, achieving a strategic team balance.

(With inputs from agencies.)