Dinesh Karthik surpasses MS Dhoni for most runs among Indian wicketkeepers in T20 cricket

Dinesh Karthik recently created history by becoming the leading run-scorer among Indian wicketkeepers in T20 cricket. The 39-year-old accomplished this feat while representing Paarl Royals in the ongoing SA20 2025. In a match against Durban Super Giants on January 27, Karthik scored 21 runs off 15 deliveries, surpassing the iconic MS Dhoni's tally of 7,432 runs in T20s.

Karthik has been a consistent performer in T20 leagues worldwide, and coming into the SA20 season, he needed only 26 runs to overtake Dhoni and claim the record. However, limited opportunities to bat, thanks to the dominance of the Paarl Royals, delayed his milestone moment. Despite the wait, Karthik finally took the opportunity with a crucial knock, taking his T20 tally to 7,451 runs in 361 innings at an average of 26.99 and a strike rate of 136.84.

On the other hand, MS Dhoni, who has scored 7,432 runs in 342 innings at a remarkable average of 38.11 and a strike rate of 135.64, remains an icon in T20 cricket. Notably, Dhoni has a chance to reclaim the top spot in the upcoming 2025 IPL season, where he will feature for the Chennai Super Kings.

Paarl Royals became first team in T20 game to bowl all 20 overs with spinners

While Karthik now holds the record for the most T20 runs among Indian wicketkeepers overall, Dhoni retains the feat of being the highest run-scorer as a wicketkeeper in the IPL. Dhoni has scored 5,125 runs in the league, followed by Karthik with 4,463 runs. 

Also Read: SA20 2025: Paarl Royals become first T20 team to finish 20 overs with spinners

Karthik's side, Paarl Royals' has had a stellar campaign, sitting comfortably atop the points table with seven wins in eight matches. The Royals also became the first team in franchise T20 cricket to bowl all 20 overs with spinners during their recent victory over the Pretoria Capitals.