India top-order batter will be available from late July until end of season
India’s top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to join Yorkshire for the remainder of the English domestic season, participating in both the County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The 28-year-old, who captains Chennai Super Kings, is expected to be available from late July until the season’s end.
Gaikwad, currently part of the India A squad touring England, has a strong first-class record with an average of 41.77 and seven centuries. His List A record is even more impressive, averaging 56.15 with 16 hundreds. He has played six ODIs and 23 T20Is for India.
“I’m excited to be joining up with Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season,” Gaikwad stated. “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.”
Gaikwad’s last competitive appearance was in early April, when he was ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury (a hairline fracture in his elbow, sustained in late March, which led to MS Dhoni taking over CSK captaincy). He has not played for India A in the unofficial Tests against England Lions despite being part of the squad.
Yorkshire’s head coach, Anthony McGrath, expressed his delight at the signing, highlighting Gaikwad’s “accomplished” and “natural all-round game” which he believes is well-suited to their playing style. “Ruturaj will give us some extra solidity in our batting line-up whilst having that ability to score quick runs when required,” McGrath added, praising him as an “exciting talent” who is highly rated.
Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket, echoed these sentiments, noting Gaikwad’s “proven record in all formats” and his multi-faceted skills that will significantly strengthen the team in the latter half of the season.
