Since 2023, SA20 has garnered a large following. With teams owned by IPL participants, the league has taken quality and entertainment cues from its Indian counterpart. It has rapidly grown into one of the top franchise cricket competitions, and it will begin its third season on January 9, 2025.
The addition of Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik to the league, who will be the first Indian player to compete in SA20, is one of the main talking points. This season, Karthik, who retired from international cricket this year, will play for the Paarl Royals. After serving as a player for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League and later taking on a mentoring position within the team, Karthik will now start his SA20 career. SA20 ambassador Allan Donald, a legendary South African pacer, offered his opinions on the Indian cricketer’s participation.
“After witnessing his arrival, I believe it’s fantastic. That a true Indian legend—someone who, in my opinion, is a really smart cricket player—is doing. Actually, I find it rather entertaining to hear his commentary. I believe he is a welcome change. And seeing an Indian man who was formerly an international and has a tonne of IPL experience signed up is fantastic. Should he participate, it will be fantastic to watch,” Donald told Star Sports.
The addition of superstars to this league was Donald’s opinion. He discussed how this will benefit the local players and broaden their audience. Additionally, he attributed the competition for fostering the growth of South African cricket in general.
“As previously said, young cricket players throughout the world are idolising the Indian Premier League, its stars, and its values. All it is doing is growing in size, quality, and speed. Furthermore, it’s a brilliant move to have one of your own play in the SA20. Indeed, it is. I believe that’s fantastic. He remains a good cricket player. He’s able to play. Additionally, I believe that simply hearing about the launch and seeing him in India, representing the SA20, and doing his thing there was Simply said, he was excellent. It was outstanding. Having him to be around would be fantastic. Undoubtedly, it will hold great significance for the young cricket players.
He also talked about how much he would like to see Indian players in the SA20.
During his time as RCB’s coach, the South African bowler had a tight relationship with star batsman Virat Kohli, whom Donald selected.
“You know what, that’s a—where do I begin? There, where do I begin to find a player? There, if I were a batter, I would be Virat Kohli. If it’s a bowler, give it your all. One hundred percent. Oh my god, is that even possible? Are you able to envision some Indian players, or are you permitted to select one? It will just reach a new level as a result. If you’re permitted, that will increase the potential size of this event. Imagine each squad having two members. But at one, we’ll leave it there. Bumrah and Kohli are the two players I’ll have. Without a doubt, if I had to choose between a bowler and a hitter.”
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