London Spirit have appointed former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as batting coach and mentor ahead of The Hundred 2026, marking his first coaching assignment in the tournament. The move comes after Karthik helped guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever IPL trophy as mentor in 2025, a milestone that accelerated his transition from playing to full-time coaching.
Karthik retired from the IPL after the 2024 season and stepped into a mentorship role with RCB the following year. His success there has now opened doors in England, where London Spirit hope his experience, tactical insight, and proven leadership can help push them towards their maiden final in The Hundred.
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This will be Karthik’s first coaching stint outside the IPL. He will reunite with Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket, and Andy Flower, the team’s head coach both of whom he previously worked with at RCB. Bobat praised Karthik as a thinker of the modern game, highlighting his clarity of thought, sharp tactical mind, and infectious energy.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker with huge experience in short-format and franchise cricket. His enthusiasm and energy will be invaluable to us,” Bobat said.
Karthik, who represented India in 180 international matches over an 18-year career and played in top leagues like the IPL, SA20, and ILT20, said returning to work in England and especially at Lord’s felt emotional and surreal. “Spending the English summer at Lord’s is a dream come true. It’s where I made my debut and played my last Test. I’m excited to work with world-class talent and help shape something special here,” Karthik stated.
