SA20 has attracted a considerable fanbase since 2023. With teams owned by IPL players, the league has adopted its Indian counterpart’s standards for entertainment and excellence. It has quickly become one of the leading franchise cricket leagues, and on January 9, 2025, it will start its third season.
One of the primary discussion points is the league’s decision to include Indian batsman Dinesh Karthik, who would be the first Indian player to play in SA20. Karthik will play for the Paarl Royals this season after retiring from international cricket this year. Karthik will now begin his SA20 career after playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League and then joining the squad as a trainer. Legendary South African bowler Allan Donald, who is also the SA20 ambassador, shared his thoughts on the Indian cricketer’s involvement.
“I think it’s great after seeing his arrival. That’s what a real Indian legend—someone who’s a really good cricket player, in my opinion—is doing. In fact, I think his comments is really entertaining. He is, in my opinion, a welcome change. It’s also great to see an Indian man with a wealth of IPL expertise who was once an international sign up. It will be amazing to watch if he does,” Donald told Star Sports.
Donald believed that superstars should be added to this league. He talked about how this will increase their audience and help the local players. He also credited the competition with helping South African cricket as a whole flourish.
As said earlier, the Indian Premier League, its players, and its ideals are being idolized by young cricket players worldwide. It is only getting bigger, better, and faster. Having one of your own plays in the SA20 is also a very smart idea. Yes, it is. And I think that’s great. He still plays cricket well. He can play. Furthermore, I think that just learning about the launch and witnessing him in India represent the SA20 and carry out his duties there was Quite simply, he was outstanding. It was excellent. It would be great to have him around. It would surely be very important to the young cricket players.
Additionally, he expressed his desire to see Indian players in the SA20.
The South African bowler was close to star batter Virat Kohli, whom Donald chose, while he was coach of the RCB.
“Well, that’s a—where do I even start? Where can I start looking for a player there? I would be Virat Kohli there if I were a batter. Give it your all if it’s a bowler. 100%. Is that even feasible, my god? Are you allowed to choose one Indian player, or can you imagine a few? As a result, it will simply reach a new level. This event could potentially grow in size if you are allowed to do so. Assume there are two individuals on each squad. We’ll leave it at one, though. I’ll have two players: Bumrah and Kohli. Definitely, if I had to pick between a batter and a bowler.”
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