India captain Virat Kohli today officially signed up with top English county side Surrey.
"Surrey County Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of India captain Virat Kohli for the month of June," the club announced on their website.
The 29-year-old will become the fourth Test eligible Indian player in county cricket this year with fellow batsman Cheteshwar Pujara currently playing for Yorkshire and seamers Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron playing for Sussex and Leicestershire respectively.
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli during the VIVO IPL Twenty20 match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Bangalore, India, Sunday April 29, 2018. Source: AAP
Speaking after signing for the club, Virat Kohli said: “It has long been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I am thankful to Alec Stewart and Surrey for allowing me the opportunity to join them during their 2018 season. I can’t wait to get to the Kia Oval.”
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s Director of Cricket, added: “We are thrilled to have signed the biggest name in world cricket for the month of June.
“Playing and training alongside Virat will be a massive benefit for our players who will have the opportunity to learn so much from him.
India captain Virat Kohli during the cricket test match between South Africa and India at Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. Source: AAP
“At a time when there is much discussion around the future of county cricket, the arrival of Virat should give our domestic game a massive boost and positive exposure around the cricketing world which in turn can benefit every county.”
Kohli will be available for all cricket throughout the month until the close of Surrey’s trip to Scarborough to face Yorkshire.
The stint means that Kohli will miss India's one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Bangalore which starts on June 14.
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