Dinesh Karthik Joins London Spirit in Hundred as Mentor, Batting Coach

London: Former India batsman Dinesh Karthik has joined London Spirit as the mentor and batting coach of the Hundred franchise, the team management announced on Wednesday. This is Karthik’s first foray into a support staff role outside the Indian Premier League, where he has worked in a similar role with champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“It is a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker and his vast experience in short format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us,” Spirit director of cricket Mo Bobat said in a statement.

“He is also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does,” said Bobat, who is also RCB’s director of cricket.

Karthik has ended his playing career after IPL 2024 but is involved in other leagues. The 40-year-old is currently part of the Sharjah Warriorz squad for the UAE’s ILT20.

Karthik also featured for Paarl Royals in the previous edition of SA20.

“What an exciting time to be joining the London Spirit. When I heard about the plans and ambitions of Mo, MCC and the Tech Titans I was really keen to get involved. Spending the UK summer working at Lord’s is truly a dream come true.

“This is where I made my debut for India and played my last Test match – Lord’s is very close to my heart. I can’t wait to see the team come together and work with some outstanding cricketers next year,” Karthik said.

Karthik, who has played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is for India, will look to help the Spirit reach their first Hundred final.