Former South African fast bowler Allan Donald has expressed his desire to see Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah participate in the SA20 league. Known for their global fan base and exceptional skills, Kohli and Bumrah are among the most celebrated cricketers in the world.
The third season of South Africa’s premier T20 league, SA20, is set to kick off in February 2025. With IPL owners backing all SA20 franchises, the tournament has gained immense popularity among Indian audiences. Dinesh Karthik, who recently retired from Indian cricket, will represent Paarl Royals in the upcoming edition.
Donald’s “100 Percent” Picks: Kohli and Bumrah
When asked which players he would like to see in SA20, Donald was quick to name Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah as his dream picks. “Oh my gosh, where do I even start? If I’m picking a batter, it has to be Virat Kohli. For a bowler, 100 percent Jasprit Bumrah,” said Donald.
He further added, “Can you imagine the impact? Just having one Indian player in every team would elevate the tournament to an entirely new level. It would be a dream come true to have Kohli or Bumrah playing in SA20.”
Unfortunately, current Indian cricketers are not permitted to play in overseas T20 leagues due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) restrictions. However, retired players are allowed to participate in global competitions, which has paved the way for players like Dinesh Karthik to join SA20.
Excitement Around Dinesh Karthik
Donald also expressed his enthusiasm about seeing Dinesh Karthik in action during SA20. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his adaptability and vast IPL experience, is set to make his mark on the league.
“Dinesh Karthik is an absolute legend of Indian cricket. Watching him play freely and express himself in SA20 will be thrilling. He brings so much intelligence and experience to the game,” Donald remarked.
The South African icon also praised Karthik’s contributions off the field, particularly his commentary, which Donald described as “a breath of fresh air.”
SA20’s Growing Popularity
The SA20 league has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting T20 tournaments, with young players worldwide looking up to Indian cricketers and the IPL as a benchmark. Donald believes the inclusion of even one Indian player in SA20 squads could significantly boost the tournament’s profile and inspire future generations of cricketers.
The first two seasons of SA20 were won by Aiden Markram-led SunRisers Eastern Cape. With the third season on the horizon, fans are eagerly awaiting another thrilling edition of this fast-growing league.
