New Delhi: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who recently announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, has once again taken a U-turn. A day after Shikhar Dhawan announced his participation in the upcoming Legends League Cricket (LCC), Karthik has also decided to participate in this tournament.

Karthik, 39, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in June 2024. He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in his last IPL season. Karthik is known for his fast batting, his agile wicketkeeping behind the wicket, and more recently commentary. Now his joining LLC is a new chapter in his career.

On joining the LLC, 39-year-old Karthik said, “Playing Legends League cricket after retirement will be a new experience for me, which I am looking forward to. I am mentally and physically ready and looking forward to playing the same cricket that I have always loved. Most importantly, thanks to my fans, who have always supported me and hope I will be able to entertain you on the field again.”

Karthik has played a total of 180 matches in all three formats for India, in which he has scored 3,463 runs, including one Test century and 17 half-centuries. He has 172 catches to his name as a wicketkeeper. In the IPL, he has scored 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 half-centuries.

In his illustrious IPL career spanning 17 years, Karthik played for six different teams. He made his debut for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the first season of IPL in 2008. After this, he also played for Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Legends League Cricket is set to start its next season in September 2024, in which retired cricket legends participate. The LLC auction will be held on August 29 in New Delhi.