MUMBAI: Batting for many cricketers around the world who only play Test cricket and thus miss out on the lucrative bandwagon of T20 leagues, former India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has emphasized the need for cricket boards and governing bodies to support players across formats through financial incentives.
“It is the duty of the ICC and all the boards to ensure both ends of the spectrum are happy. People who choose Test cricket should be financially wealthy and have enough opportunities to compete. T20 is already thriving in that regard,” Karthik said at an interaction organised by SA20.
Karthik will become the first Indian cricketer to join the SA20 league and serve as its India ambassador when he turns out for the Paarl Royals in the third edition of the SA20, which will be played from January 9 to February 8, 2025.
Addressing the ongoing debate around the influence of T20 cricket on batting techniques, Karthik, currently a batting coach with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shared his nuanced perspective on how the format has reshaped the sport. While acknowledging concerns about the decline of traditional defensive skills in red-ball cricket, he framed this shift as part of cricket’s evolution. “As a modern-day player, you’ve got to understand what technique is—and it is completely different in Test and white-ball cricket,” he explained.

He agreed with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s observation about the challenges facing defensive techniques but reframed it as a natural transition. “It is two completely different languages, and I think cricket as a sport is in transition where you will slowly but steadily start getting Test match specialists and T20/white-ball specialists. The demarcation is happening as we speak,” he asserted.
Karthik highlighted the democratizing effect of T20 leagues, pointing to how they create pathways for players to excel in multiple formats. Using examples like Tristan Stubbs, he illustrated how franchise cricket has fostered talent development. “You’ll find the odd Stubbs or David Warner who come in as T20 cricketers and grow enough to play Tests. But this happens because of the hard work put in at the domestic level,” he noted.
“Once you start comparing these two, it becomes a problem because as you see, the likes of Nitish Kumar Reddy came in as a T20 professional. Yes, he has played a handful of Ranji Trophy matches for Andhra. But today, he is in the Test squad because they see a certain value in having an all-rounder.” he added.
Now as the SA20 – a six-team 34-game competition – enters its third season, Karthik shed light on his decision to venture into the exciting world of global franchise cricket. “I was very keen on playing this tournament. Then the offer came through from the Royals, and I couldn’t say no,” Karthik shared. He described his appointment as SA20’s India ambassador as “a cherry on top,” crediting SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith for the opportunity.
Karthik’s journey into SA20 is rooted in his desire to keep playing high-quality cricket after his international retirement. Speaking candidly, he revealed how conversations with players who had participated in various leagues worldwide played a pivotal role in his decision. “When I actually finished playing with IPL, I wanted to play some cricket, I’m not going to lie. So I asked players who’ve been part of other leagues, and the one thing that came out very strongly, almost unanimously, was the fact that the SA20 was the best held and most exciting tournament.”

Karthik’s enthusiasm for the SA20 reflects the league’s growing reputation as a premier T20 competition. Drawing from his observations of its first two editions, he praised South Africa’s robust domestic cricket structure as a key factor in the tournament’s success. “Teams with a strong domestic cricket culture come through with these franchise tournaments very well. They’ve almost got the top players across batters, bowlers, in the ICC rankings as we speak. So it was a very well-fought tournament,” he observed.
The involvement of IPL franchises in SA20 has added a layer of intrigue, creating a unique model where six IPL-owned teams represent South African domestic cricket. Karthik believes this integration has introduced “a certain rivalry that almost already exists,” enhancing the tournament’s appeal. “It was the first tournament where all the franchises were bought over by IPL teams purely because they knew how far that tournament would go. And it stood strong and true to the testament to the fact that they’ve invested, and today, they see the growth of this tournament.”
Historically, Indian players have been restricted from competing in overseas leagues due to BCCI policies. Now as the former India wicket-keeper batsman embraces retirement, Karthik’s inclusion signifies a potential shift in perceptions and opportunities for cricketers not holding national contracts.
Reflecting on his own role, Karthik expressed hope that his participation in SA20 could pave the way for more Indian players to join such leagues in the future. “I hope I’m the first number to come out and play this league because I can definitely share my experience post the league, how it was on a personal front. So far, from what I’ve heard, I don’t think it can be very bad.”
Looking ahead, Karthik envisions SA20 as a league poised for exponential growth. “In 10 years, this tournament will only get bigger, attracting more global talent and solidifying its reputation as a premier cricketing event,” he predicted.
Reflecting on the memories he’s built there, Karthik remarked, “South Africa has been a very fond place for me because of the memories I’ve had. Be it part of the World Cup or as a Test player, it’s a place I always look forward to going.”
As Karthik prepares to take the field for the Paarl Royals, his journey will be closely watched—not just for his on-field performance but for the potential impact his participation could have on the future of Indian cricket’s relationship with international leagues. His confidence in SA20’s ability to enhance a player’s game and provide financial viability reflects the league’s rising stature in the cricketing world.