Indian top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has signed with Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the rest of the English domestic season, the club announced on Tuesday. The move marks the beginning of Gaikwad’s long-anticipated foray into English county cricket, a goal he says he’s been eager to fulfil.
Gaikwad, who is currently in the UK with India A for warm-up matches, will stay on in England and join Yorkshire ahead of their County Championship clash against Surrey at Scarborough in July. He will also be available for the One Day Cup, which begins on August 5.
“The Yorkshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the overseas signing of Ruturaj Gaikwad,” the club said in an official statement, expressing confidence in the Indian batter’s ability to make an immediate impact.
For Gaikwad, this opportunity represents both a personal and professional milestone. “It has always been a goal of mine to experience cricket in this country, and there is no bigger club in England than Yorkshire,” said the 27-year-old from Pune.
Known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor at the crease, Gaikwad brings a wealth of experience to Yorkshire’s batting line-up. He currently captains the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, and also leads Maharashtra in domestic red-ball cricket.
Despite boasting 23 T20I appearances and six ODIs for India, Gaikwad missed the recent IPL season due to an elbow injury. His return to competitive cricket through the county circuit could serve as a stepping stone for a national comeback.
Yorkshire, a storied club with a rich cricketing legacy, will be looking to Gaikwad to strengthen their top order in both red-ball and white-ball formats. His technical proficiency and adaptability could prove crucial in navigating the varied conditions of the English summer.
For both club and player, the partnership appears mutually beneficial: Yorkshire gains an experienced international batter with leadership credentials, while Gaikwad gets the chance to hone his game in one of the most competitive cricket environments in the world.
As Yorkshire prepare to welcome their latest overseas addition, fans will be eager to see how Gaikwad adjusts to county cricket, and whether his stint can reignite his aspirations for a regular spot in India’s senior side.
