Indian cricketers have a long history of participating in county cricket in England. Over the years, several Indian players have been part of county teams, either as overseas players or as part of an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the respective county clubs.
These stints have provided valuable exposure and experience to Indian cricketers. County cricket offers Indian cricketers an opportunity to play in different conditions and on challenging pitches, helping them become more well-rounded cricketers and improving their ability to perform in diverse conditions.
Playing county cricket can serve as valuable preparation for international assignments. It allows Indian cricketers to acclimatize to English conditions, which are often similar to those encountered during tours of England. The cricket betting sites have County Cricket odds with them on their platforms.
In this article, we have compiled a list of Indian cricketers who have played county cricket in their careers and have turned out to be successful.
Mohammad Azharuddin – Derbyshire
The former Indian cricket captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, joined Derbyshire as an overseas player and made an immediate impact. In his debut season in 1991, he scored over 1,300 runs at an average of 72.22, including five centuries and six fifties. His performances played a crucial role in Derbyshire winning the Sunday League title that year.
In the following season, 1992, Azharuddin had another successful campaign for Derbyshire. He scored over 900 runs at an average of 55.88, including three centuries and six fifties. Azharuddin's performances for Derbyshire were highly regarded, and he left a lasting impression on the county circuit during his tenure.
Anil Kumble – (Surrey, Leicester, and Northamptonshire)
The spin maestro from team India, Anil Kumble, was also part of county cricket with Surrey, Leicester, and Northamptonshire. Kumble's time with Northamptonshire was highly successful. In his debut season, he made a significant impact, taking 35 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive average of 18.80.
He played a key role in helping Northamptonshire achieve success in the County Championship. In 2003, Kumble played with Leicestershire but the season was not as fruitful as expected. However, in 2006, Kumble returned to County Cricket with Surrey, but his stint was cut short because of a shoulder injury.
Javagal Srinath (Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, and Durham)
India’s ace pacer Javagal Srinath also played county cricket to craft his skills and learn more about the game. Srinath joined Gloucestershire for the 1995 season and played a total of six matches for the club. During his time with Gloucestershire, he showcased his skills as a fast bowler and made a significant impact. Srinath took 32 wickets in those six matches at an average of 21.84, including two five-wicket hauls.
His performances for Gloucestershire earned him recognition and respect in the county circuit, and because of this, he also played for Leicestershire and Durham in the early 2000s.
Zaheer Khan (Worcestershire)
Zaheer Khan's international career saw him become one of India's most successful fast bowlers. He was a student of the game and was known for his brilliant performances in county cricket. Zaheer joined Worcestershire for the 2006 season and represented the club in both County Championship and One-Day Cup matches.
His performances for Worcestershire were impressive, and he made valuable contributions with the ball. Zaheer picked up 78 wickets in 16 games and helped team India score a win during the 2007 England tour.
Rahul Dravid (Kent)
The current Indian team coach and legendary batsman from India, Rahul Dravid, also played county cricket in 2000. Dravid represented Kent County Cricket Club. He had a successful stint with the club, scoring over 1,200 runs in 15 matches at an average of 55.09. His performances were instrumental in Kent's success that season. Later, in 2003, Dravid played for the Scotland Cricket Board XI in the Friends Provident Trophy, a limited-overs competition in county cricket.
