County Provides Extra Credit for India Selection

When Sachin Tendulkar, 19, took centre stage for Yorkshire in 1992 as their first overseas player, he dominated cricket headlines.

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: Such was the primacy of County cricket.

Three decades on, Ruturaj Gaikwad getting set to play for the same County is a footnote. That won't bother the 28-year-old for whom a good showing could open up new avenues in red-ball cricket. Like so many other capable batters in India yet to win the Test cap, to most cricket watchers, Gaikwad's identity is being an IPL star. The CSK skipper will relish the opportunity to demonstrate his batting proficiency abroad.

Gaikwad will have plenty of Indian company. Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan are currently enjoying short stints with Hampshire and Northamptonshire respectively. Yuzvendra Chahal will soon be joining Northants while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has signed a deal with Essex.

Top UpThese short spells in England work perfectly well for Indian players, either on the fringes of selection or discarded. These stints hold value over a quiet time at home in the monsoon or a holiday.

"Being ranked No.3 in T20, people think I am (only) good in T20, but I have been saying all along that I can also be a good Test player," Varma told Hampshire media. "I like playing close to the body, being challenged, especially in English conditions."