Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicket-keeper batsman, Dinesh Karthik will be leaving the commentary panel in the UK of the ongoing 5-match series between England and India after the ongoing third match in Leeds. Karthik will be joining his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise ahead of the 14th edition of the tournament that resumes on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

While confirming that he will be leaving the commenting panel after the Headingley Test, Dinesh Karthik said, “The IPL starts in two weeks’ time. I may prepare and do as well as I can. I won’t be here for the remaining two Tests. You guys have been good to me,” he added further.

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The 36-year-old Karthik has aggregated 123 runs in seven matches in the first leg of the IPL 2021. His franchise KKR has recently roped in the services of the veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee to replace Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, who will not be taking part in the second leg.

Tim Southee has immense experience of playing in the IPL and particularly T20 cricket. He has led New Zealand in the absence of Kane Williamson before as well. KKR is his fourth IPL franchise for as he earlier played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and RCB before. He made his debut in the IPL back in 2011 and has played a total of 40 matches since then.

KKR, two-time IPL winners, were struggling before the season was suspended earlier this year in the first week of May. With two wins from seven matches, they were at the seventh position in the eight-team event and will hope for a turnaround in UAE.

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The Kolkata-based franchise will be resuming its campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on September 20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.