CSK star kicked out as RCB superstar officially appointed India captain

Former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been named captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, scheduled from November 7 to 9, as confirmed by Hong Kong Cricket. The former RCB batter has replaced Robin Uthappa, who led Team India in the 2024 edition, as captain for the tournament.

Karthik retired from all formats of Indian cricket in 2024. The 40-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer is currently serving as the batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL and guided the team to the title in 2025. He will return to competitive cricket to captain Team India in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025.

Dinesh Karthik Appointed as Team India Captain for Hong Kong Sixes

On Tuesday, September 23, Cricket Hong Kong announced that Dinesh Karthik will captain Team India in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. The board stated that he will bring excitement and intensity to the tournament.

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"We are proud to welcome Dinesh Karthik as the Captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025," posted Hong Kong cricket on their X account.

"With his vast international experience, sharp leadership skills, and explosive batting, Dinesh will bring both inspiration and intensity to the tournament. His appointment reflects the spirit of the Sixes — fearless, entertaining, and world-class. Join us from 7–9 November in Hong Kong as we host a global celebration of cricket."

We are proud to welcome Dinesh Karthik as the Captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025.

With his vast international experience, sharp leadership skills, and explosive batting, Dinesh will bring both inspiration and intensity to the tournament. His appointment reflects… pic.twitter.com/XlfTnOPsM3

— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) September 23, 2025

It Is an Absolute Honour Leading Team India - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik expressed his excitement at being named captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. Karthik added that he aims to delight fans at the globally recognized tournament.

"It is an absolute honour leading Team India at the Hong Kong Sixes, a tournament with such rich history and global recognition," said Karthik in a media release.

"I look forward to lead a group of players who have such incredible records to their credit, and together we will aim to bring joy to the fans and play cricket that is both fearless and entertaining," he added.

Karthik played for Paarl Royals in the SA20 2024-25 season. He represented India in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is in his international career. The wicketkeeper batter also played 257 IPL matches.

India Lost All Matches in Hong Kong Sixes 2024

India will aim to make a comeback in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. The team had a disappointing outing in 2024 under Robin Uthappa. Notably, the side lost all its matches in the group stage. Uthappa scored 145 runs in five games at an impressive average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 371.79.

Dinesh Karthik will return to lead India nearly 14 years after his last appearance in the competition. He previously captained the side during the 2011-12 edition, amassing 92 runs from four games at a remarkable strike rate of 340.74, including 32 runs off just nine balls against England.

Ravichandran Ashwin will also feature in the 2025 edition. The off-spinner, who has retired from both international cricket and the IPL, will make his first on-field appearance since announcing his retirement.

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