The Hundred: Karthik appointed batting coach of London Spirit

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has been appointed mentor and batting coach of the men’s Hundred side London Spirit, marking his first support-staff assignment with a franchise outside the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It’s a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit,” Spirit director of cricket Mo Bobat said in a statement. “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.”

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“The signing of another elite individual with significant stature in the game demonstrates our ambition, and the importance we place on ensuring that our players receive the best possible support,” Bobat added.

Previously, Karthik was in a similar role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 after concluding his playing career in the league in 2024. He remains an active cricketer and is currently turning out for Sharjah Warriorz in the UAE’s ILT20. Bobat is also the team director at RCB, the reigning IPL champions.

“What an exciting time to be joining London Spirit,” Karthik said. “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. 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.”

Spirit, who have never reached the final in the five editions of the Hundred, will hope Karthik’s experience can help turn their fortunes around. The 40-year-old featured in 18 years of international cricket across 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is, and has played T20 franchise cricket in the SA20, ILT20 and the IPL.