Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has joined Chennai Striker Kings as their brand ambassador for the inaugural JITO Premier League. Karthik announced the association on Tuesday with a simple post on social media that mixed Tamil and English: “Oru pudhu team. Oru pudhu journey!” He said he was thrilled to come on board and wished the side a strong campaign, asking them to “give it everything, enjoy the journey and make Chennai proud.”

This franchise name immediately set off plenty of jokes among CSK fans. Several replied saying they momentarily thought Karthik was linking up with Chennai Super Kings. One popular reaction simply read: “Striker Kings ah… Nan kooda Super Kings nu nenachan DK.”

What is the JITO Premier League?

The JITO Premier League is a community cricket tournament organised by the Jain International Trade Organisation. The 2026 edition will be the first on this scale and will be played from 24 August to 5 September at the CCC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Twelve franchises are taking part, each representing different cities and regions. Chennai Striker Kings is one of those teams. Karthik is currently the batting coach and mentor with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has also been involved with London Spirit in The Hundred.

He will serve as the face of the franchise. The former Tamil Nadu player has strong roots with Chennai cricket, and it also fits the roles he has done since retirement. Dinesh Karthik has stayed connected to the game through coaching, commentary and brand work. The tournament begins in less than a week and Chennai Striker Kings will be keen to leave a mark.