Indian cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to embark on his first County Championship journey, after securing a contract with Yorkshire. The 28-year-old will join the team in late July and play throughout the remainder of the season, featuring in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup.
Gaikwad is currently with the India A squad in England, although he has yet to play in the ongoing series against England Lions. His last match was more than two months ago when an elbow injury during the IPL sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite only having 29 international appearances for India in ODIs and T20Is, Gaikwad’s domestic record speaks volumes. He has scored seven centuries in first-class cricket and 16 in List A matches. Additionally, Gaikwad has been leading Chennai Super Kings since last year, showcasing his leadership skills.
Expressing his excitement, Gaikwad said, “Joining Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season is something I’ve always wanted to do. To experience cricket in England with such a prestigious club as Yorkshire is a fantastic opportunity. I understand the importance of this part of the season, and I’m eager to contribute to the team’s success in the Championship and One-Day Cup.”
Yorkshire’s Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, expressed his delight over the signing: “I’m thrilled to have Ruturaj join us. He’s a talented cricketer with a well-rounded game that fits perfectly into the style of cricket we aim to play. His presence will strengthen our batting lineup, and his ability to accelerate when needed is invaluable. He’s highly regarded in the cricket world, and we’re excited to see him in action.”
With Yorkshire’s key fixtures coming up, Gaikwad’s arrival is sure to add a strong presence to the team as they aim for success in both formats.
