Dinesh Karthik joins London Spirit as mentor and batting coach for The Hundred 2026

Dinesh Karthik was the RCB’s mentor and batting coach in IPL 2025.

Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has been appointed as the new mentor and batting coach of the London Spirit franchise in The Hundred for the next season. Karthik will don the role of support staff in a franchise outside the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time.

Karthik, who is an active cricketer and commentator, was the mentor and batting coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 earlier this year. Under his guidance, the Rajat Patidar & Co. won their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final. Now, he is set to play a similar role with Spirit in England’s franchise tournament.

The right-handed batter is currently busy in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) International League T20 tournament (ILT20), where he represents Sharjah Warriorz. After playing for RCB in IPL 2024, he announced his retirement from Indian cricket and IPL.

I was really enthusiastic: Dinesh Karthik after joining London Spirit in The Hundred

Following his appointment, the veteran batter said he was excited and enthusiastic for the opportunity. He also added that The Lord’s is close to his heart and he is eager to work with exceptional players in The Hundred next year.

“What an exciting time to be joining London Spirit. When I heard about the plans and the ambitions of Mo, MCC and the Tech Titans, I was really enthusiastic to join. To spend the English summer working at Lord’s is truly a dream come true,” the 40-year-old was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

“It is the ground where I made my debut for India and I played my last Test match – Lord’s is very close to my heart. I can’t wait to see the squad come together and to work with some exceptional cricketers next year,” he added.

London Spirit Director Mo Bobat congratulates Dinesh Karthik

London Spirit’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, welcomed Karthik for the new role in an official statement. Bobat, who is also the owner of the RCB franchise in IPL, reckoned that Karthik’s vast experience will be invaluable for the franchise.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker in our game and his vast experience in short-format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us. He’s also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does,” he said.

Meanwhile, Spirit failed to qualify for the playoffs in The Hundred 2025 season, finishing in seventh spot with three wins and five defeats across eight games. They will aim for the maiden title in the 2026 edition.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.