MUMBAI: After a highly successful maiden stint in county cricket, India's limited overs leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has returns to India to prepare for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy which begins on October 11. Chahal had a stellar time with Northamptonshire CCC, and was thought to be the best overseas signing in recent times.
Across both the four-day and One-Day formats, Chahal took 24 wickets at an average of 17. This included three five-wicket hauls) and a further two four-wicket hauls.
"County cricket is tough cricket. It gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills against a very good standard of cricket. With India touring England next year, I wanted to show how good I am," Chahal told TOI.
In addition to performing on the field, Chahal is very passionate about helping the next generation of cricketers globally. Chahal said, "Firstly, I am very grateful to Brindon sir who gave me an opportunity to play in County cricket, and then the Rajasthan Royal's coaches introduced me to Krish Patel, a highly-educated 18-year old cricketer who is thought to have a very bright future in the game. I want to see him play internationally and if I can help, I am always there."
Many Indian cricketers now recognise that county cricket enables them to grow in the game and enhance their skills. Recently, players like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Prithvi Shaw and Chahal all played county cricket to try and regain or cement themselves in the Indian national side. The bridge between English Cricket and India is Brindon Bagirathan.
Not only is he helping the Indian cricketers bag country contracts, Bagirathan is also playing a key role in getting the IPL franchises to potentially acquire The Hundred franchises or even the counties.
Delhi Capitals, Hyderabad Sunrisers and even Mumbai Indians have shown strong interest in England with a potential transactions to be complete by January 2025.
With India travelling to England in 2025, many Indian cricketers will be looking to play county cricket to try and impress India's national selectors.
