List of Indians to have played for Yorkshire in the English County circuit ft. Sachin Tendulkar
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has penned a deal with Yorkshire for the ongoing English domestic season. He will join the squad ahead of their County Championship game against Surrey in Scarborough on July 22. The right-hander will be available until the end of the season, while also playing the One Day Cup.
The development comes at a time when Gaikwad is a part of the India A squad, who are currently in England. However, the 28-year-old hasn't played any competitive cricket since the last two months due to an elbow injury. He is expected to take the field on June 13, when India A play a friendly game against India in Beckenham.
Since making his first-class debut for Maharashtra in 2016, Gaikwad has garnered 2,632 runs at an average of 41.77, with 14 fifties and seven centuries. His top knock of 195 came in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 game against Tamil Nadu.
Ruturaj Gaikwad will become a part of the elite list of Indian players to have played for the White Rose. On that note, let's take a look at those Indian cricketers who have played for Yorkshire in the past.
#1 Yuvraj Singh (2003)
One of the finest Indian white-ball batters, Yuvraj Singh signed with Yorkshire for the 2003 season. However, Yuvraj had a forgettable first-class season, where he accumulated only 145 runs in 12 innings at an average of 14.50.
The southpaw had a better performance in National Cricket League, scoring 169 runs in eight innings at an average of 21.12. He then emerged as the top-scorer for Yorkshire in the Twenty20 Cup, where he slammed 154 runs in five games at a strike rate of 143.92.
#2 Sachin Tendulkar (1992)
The legendary Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar was the first overseas cricketer to feature for the White Rose in 1992 at an age of 19. Tendulkar had a terrific season, where he smashed 1,070 runs in 16 first-class games, with a solitary century and seven half-centuries.
Overall, 'Little Master' amassed 1,671 runs in 35 matches across all formats for the side, including two centuries.
#3 Cheteshwar Pujara (2015, 2018)
Known for his determination and perseverance, Cheteshwar Pujara has played for four different county teams. He had a stint with Derbyshire in 2013 and then signed a deal with Yorkshire in 2015.
Pujara performed well to score 264 runs in four appearances at an average of 52.80, with a top score of 133*. The side eventually won the title that year.
After a one-year stint with Nottinghamshire, the right-hander was back at Yorkshire in 2018. He scored 172 runs in 12 innings at a dismal average of 14.33 in this last appearance for the team.
Thereafter, Cheteshwar Pujara played for Sussex for three years from 2022 to 2024.