Big news coming out of Headingley, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to embark on a county cricket adventure, becoming only the fourth Indian player to grace the hallowed turf for the Yorkshire Cricket Club. Gaikwad is slated to link up with the White Rose county in July, just in time for their County Championship clash against Surrey, and will remain with the club until the season’s close, also featuring prominently in the One-Day Cup.
This move sees Gaikwad following in the illustrious footsteps of some of India’s cricketing titans. Sachin Tendulkar was the pioneer, becoming Yorkshire’s first-ever overseas player back in 1992 at a tender age of 19, leaving an indelible mark. Then came the flamboyant Yuvraj Singh in 2003, though his red-ball stints with the club proved to be less fruitful. Most recently, the prolific run-scorer Cheteshwar Pujara has enjoyed multiple successful seasons with Yorkshire, showcasing his undeniable class.
“I’m excited to be joining up with Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season,” Ruturaj Gaikwad declared in a statement, clearly thrilled about the prospect. “It has always been a goal of mine to experience cricket in this country and there is no bigger Club in England than Yorkshire. I know how important it is that I hit the ground running at what will be a crucial part of the season. We have some vital games in the County Championship and the One Day Cup is a great opportunity to win some silverware.”
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Currently, Gaikwad is honing his skills with the India ‘A’ squad in England, having just wrapped up two unofficial Tests against England Lions and now gearing up for an intra-squad game against the senior side led by Shubman Gill. This prior exposure to English conditions will undoubtedly be a massive advantage as he transitions into county cricket.
YCCC is delighted to announce the overseas signing of Ruturaj Gaikwad 🤩
He will join up with the Yorkshire squad ahead of the @CountyChamp game vs Surrey at Scarborough & will stay with the White Rose until the end of the season
Read more➡️ https://t.co/SMg3JmRuux pic.twitter.com/1AGeSgG4tQ
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) June 10, 2025
Yorkshire’s Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, was effusive in his praise for the signing. “I’m extremely pleased to see Ruturaj sign with us for the second half of the season. He is a very accomplished cricketer with a natural all-round game that is well suited to the cricket we want to play. Ruturaj will give us some extra solidity in our batting lineup whilst having that ability to score quick runs when required. He’s an exciting talent and one I know is highly rated across the game.”
Gavin Hamilton, the General Manager of Cricket, echoed McGrath’s sentiments, adding, “Ruturaj has a proven record in all formats and is a multi-faceted cricketer that will strengthen us greatly in the second half of the season. Everyone at Yorkshire CCC is excited by Ruturaj’s signing and we look forward to welcoming him in July.”
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Gaikwad’s arrival marks him as Yorkshire’s fifth overseas player this year, joining the likes of Australia’s Will Sutherland and Jordan Buckingham, and New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears. His inclusion is a significant boost for Yorkshire, adding a touch of class and versatility to their squad as they push for silverware in the latter half of the season.
