'Surreal feeling, so proud' - Dinesh Karthik confirms return to commentary for Ashes 2023

Veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has announced that he is set to return as a commentator during the 2023 Ashes. The five-match series is scheduled in June and July with Edgbaston, Lord's, Headingley, Old Trafford, and The Oval set to host matches. Australia are the current holders of the Ashes, having won the 2021-22 series 4-0.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) keeper-batter Karthik has been included in the Sky Sports commentary panel for the Ashes 2023. The 37-year-old is one of the prominent names in the commentary team, which includes the likes of Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Mel Jones, Kumar Sangakkara, Mark Taylor, Mark Butcher, Ricky Ponting, Ian Ward, and Andrew Strauss among others.

Karthik took to Twitter and shared his excitement to be part of the 2023 Ashes panel. “One MASSIVE announcement before the IPL as a player starts... So proud to be amongst these legends. Surreal feeling. Just felt like sharing!  Bas. That's all Thanks @SkyCricket for giving me this opportunity and honour. #Ashes2023,” he tweeted.

Here's Dinesh Karthik's tweet:

DK@DineshKarthik

One MASSIVE announcement before the IPL as a player starts... So proud to be amongst these legends. Surreal feeling. Just felt like sharing! Bas. That's all 😊☺️ Thanks @SkyCricket for giving me this opportunity and honour. #Ashes2023

12:00 PM · Mar 30, 2023

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RCB to play MI in their IPL 2023 opener

Ahead of the 2023 Ashes, Karthik will take part in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will get underway on March 31. The defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) will host Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, RCB will start their IPL campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 2.

RCB had a brilliant season in the 2022 IPL as they finished in fourth place, having won eight of their 14 matches in the league stage. Karthik, who was bought by the RCB for INR 5.50 crores in 2022, scored 330 runs from 16 matches last year at an average of 55.00 and a strike rate of 183.33.