"Happy to have played with you, skipper" - Dinesh Karthik wishes Virat Kohli as the star batter completes 16 years in international cricket
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared a post on X on Tuesday, August 20, to congratulate Virat Kohli on completing 16 years in international cricket. Kohli reached the milestone on Sunday, August 18.
Karthik was last seen in action during IPL 2024. On June 1, he announced his retirement but signed with the Paarl Royals earlier this month for the upcoming season of SA20.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who last played in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, made his international debut against the same opposition in 2008. Since then, Kohli has established himself as one of cricket's all-time greats. The Delhi cricketer has represented the nation in 533 matches, scoring 26,942 runs, including 80 centuries and 140 fifties.
Celebrating the occasion, Dinesh Karthik took to X to share a message for the former Indian captain. He wrote:
“Happy to have played with you skipper. 16 years and the fire burns bright.”
Karthik played seven T20Is, 25 ODIs, and two Tests under Virat Kohli's captaincy. Additionally, he has played under Kohli's leadership in the Indian Premier League. In the upcoming season, Karthik will join Kohli at RCB, not as a player but in the role of a mentor.
Dinesh Karthik signs with Paarl Royals for SA20
Dinesh Karthik is set to make history as the first Indian player to compete in the South African T20 league, SA20. With extensive experience in the shortest format of the game, the 39-year-old will bring a seasoned perspective to the league. Reflecting on his chance to play for the Paarl Royals, Karthik said:
"I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa, and when this opportunity came about, I couldn't say no because of how special it would be to come back to playing competitive cricket and win this incredible competition with the Royals."
"Even though I didn't have the chance to represent the Royals in the IPL, to me it was always a franchise setup and environment that was very attractive as a player. I am delighted to be joining the Paarl Royals team which oozes a lot of experience, quality and potential. I am certainly looking forward to joining the group and contributing to what should be an exciting season," Karthik continued (as quoted by Cricbuzz).
Dinesh Karthik has featured in 401 T20 matches throughout his career, amassing 7,407 runs and hitting 34 half-centuries.