It will be a much-needed practice for Kohli ahead of the Test series in England. Kohli had a poor tour of England the last time India visited the country. He returned with just 134 runs in ten innings at a below-par average of 13.4.
Virat kept fishing at deliveries outside the stump and got caught in the slip cordon on numerous occasions. Following the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli will join the county club.
“Surrey county cricket club are delighted to announce the signing of India captain Virat Kohli for the month of June Kohli will be available for all cricket throughout the month until the close of Surrey’s trip to Scarborough to face Yorkshire,” Surrey Cricket Club was quoted as saying during a statement.
Kohli will miss the one-off Test against Afghanistan. It is scheduled to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 14th July. After his signing with Surrey, Kohli expressed his delight.
Virat says he cannot wait to take his stance at the Kia Oval.
“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.”
Photo Credit: BCCI.
Kohli will become the 4th Indian player to play county this year. Cheteshwar Pujara had already inked a deal with Yorkshire. Meanwhile, fast bowlers, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron would represent Sussex and Leicestershire, respectively.
The Director of Surrey Cricket, Alec Stewart, was thrilled to sign the biggest name in world cricket for June.
“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.
“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.”
Nasser Hussain praises Kohli
Former English skipper, Nasser Hussain lauded Kohli for his decision. He praised the modern great for choosing county cricket especially in a generation where most players are reducing their opportunities to play in red ball cricket.
Taking to his twitter handle, he wrote,
“Fair play to Virat Kohli .. in a time where some cricketers are reducing their red ball exposure.. the busiest cricketer on the planet is putting it first to prepare for a test series in England .. giving himself the best chance to succeed!!”
Virat Kohli explains why Ishant Sharma showed the middle finger to the Australia crowd.
