Virat Kohli set to play County Cricket for Surrey

Virat Kohli has arguably been India’s best bet with the willow over the past few years. The Delhi batsman has wielded his magic across the globe and has been a fulcrum of whichever side he has represented. However, apart from the Indian national team and its domestic fixtures, he hasn’t been a part of any other team or franchise.

As per reports Virat Kohli is set to make his debut in English County cricket when he takes the field for Surrey in the 2018 Specsavers County Championship which starts from April 13. He will make himself available for Surrey from June 9 to 28 for three four-day games against Hampshire, Somerset and Yorkshire respectively.

Kohli vs Pujara in the offing?

Meanwhile, the skipper is set to miss India’s first Test against Afghanistan which begins on June 14 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The report also highlights the Delhi-born cricketer’s poor show thus far in England as the reason that makes his county stint necessary. The right-handed batsman had mustered a meagre 134 runs in five Tests in the country at a dismal average of 13.40.

Kohli is set to join Cheteshwar Pujara for the county endeavour. Pujara, who played for Yorkshire, last season, is likely to extend his affiliation with the team. Meanwhile, the stalwarts of the Indian team might clash against each other as Surrey and Yorkshire are scheduled to lock horns at the North Marine Road Ground, Scarborough from June 25.

The decision to play county cricket has been appreciated by several prominent names as well including the likes of VVS Laxman and Harsha Bhogle. India is scheduled to play three T20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and five Tests in England which starts from July 3 in Manchester. India and England will lock horns in the first Test at Birmingham after the completion of the T20I and ODI series.

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