The third edition of the SA20 kicks off on January 9. Quickly, it has become the most successful franchise tournament after the Indian Premier League (IPL). This year, it’ll be even bigger with stars like Ben Stokes and Dinesh Karthik also set to participate. Allan Donald, an ambassador for the SA20, was asked who he’d get to make the event better than ever.
Kohli & Bumrah will “add another level” to SA20
The former South African quickly named two players. The first was not just the biggest cricket star but one of the most famous athletes in the world, Virat Kohli. The second was the current best bowler in the world and Kohli’s teammate, Jasprit Bumrah.
“Oh my gosh, that’s a—where do I start? Where do I start getting a player from there? If I’m a batter, I’m Virat Kohli all over there. If it’s a bowler, 100 percent Bumrah. 100 percent. My goodness me, can you imagine that? Can you actually imagine some Indian players—or if you’re allowed to pick one? That’ll just put it to another level. That’ll add another level to how big this tournament can become if you’re allowed to. Imagine two—oh, imagine two per team. But we’ll keep it there at one. I’ll have those two players for me—Kohli and Bumrah. If I have to pick from a batter or a bowler—100 percent sure.” the SA20 ambassador told Star Sports.
On Dinesh Karthik playing in SA20
Donald also spoke about Dinesh Karthik becoming the first Indian cricketer to play in the SA20. “I think, since I’ve seen him come on board, I think it’s awesome. It really is awesome that an absolute Indian legend – a guy who, for me, is such an intelligent cricketer. I actually really enjoy listening to him commentating. I think he’s just a breath of fresh air. And it’s great to see an Indian guy who’s an ex-international – a guy who’s had a wealth of experience in the IPL -being signed up. It’ll be awesome to see him play if he does play,” the assistant coach of Durban Super Giants added.
