Dinesh Karthik Goes Full 'Pushpa Style' As Paarl Royals Welcome Him For SA20 - Watch Video

Dinesh Karthik will be the first Indian to play in SA20 [Source: @paarlroyals/x.com]

Dinesh Karthik is back in action, and what a comeback it’s shaping up to be. After almost seven months away from the game, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter touched down in South Africa to join the Paarl Royals for the SA20, and let’s just say, his welcome was nothing short of filmy.

Dinesh Karthik Gets A 'Pushpa-Style' Welcome in SA20

Dinesh Karthik, the first Indian to play in the SA20, was greeted with a Pushpa-inspired video that had fans going wild on social media. Paarl Royals pulled out all the stops to make Karthik’s arrival unforgettable.

They posted an iconic video on X, giving a nod to India’s famous 'firsts.' The video started with Rakesh Sharma as the first Indian in space, then Bhanu Athaiya as the first Indian Oscar winner, followed by Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel laureate, and so on.

Then came the moment as Karthik walked in, owned the frame, and perfectly pulled off Pushpa’s signature move. The timing couldn’t have been better, with Pushpa 2 already creating buzz worldwide. Karthik nailed the vibe, and fans were quick to flood the comments with praise.

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Karthik Becomes First Indian Cricketer To Feature in SA20

As the first Indian cricketer in SA20, he’s breaking barriers and adding more milestones to his legendary career. After retiring in June last year, few expected him to return, but the call from Paarl Royals and the lure of playing in South Africa’s premier league were too tempting to pass up.

The Royals, led by South African star David Miller, are gearing up for a big season. They’ll kick off their campaign against the defending champs Sunrisers Eastern Cape on January 11. With Karthik in the mix, their squad looks even more dangerous.

DK’s Finisher Credentials Are Gold

Karthik brings more than just star power, he’s got the game to back it up. From being part of India’s legendary 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad to lifting the Champions Trophy in 2013, he’s seen it all.

In a career spanning over 15 years, he’s piled up 3,463 international runs and pulled off 172 dismissals behind the stumps. When it comes to the IPL, in 401 matches, he’s scored a whopping 7,407 runs.

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