Virat Kohli signs one-month deal with Surrey

Indian captain Virat Kohli has signed a one-month deal with English county side Surrey ahead of India's tour to England.

This news comes even as Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Varun Aaron are already plying his trade in England for different franchises.

However, the Indian team will then be without his service for one-off Afghanistan Test match which will be played out in Bangalore.

Speaking after signing for the club, Virat Kohli said: “It has long been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I am thankful to Alec Stewart and Surrey for allowing me the opportunity to join them during their 2018 season. I can’t wait to get to the Kia Oval.”

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s Director of Cricket, added: “We are thrilled to have signed the biggest name in world cricket for the month of June.

“Playing and training alongside Virat will be a massive benefit for our players who will have the opportunity to learn so much from him.

“At a time when there is much discussion around the future of county cricket, the arrival of Virat should give our domestic game a massive boost and positive exposure around the cricketing world which in turn can benefit every county.”

India start their campaign against England with a T20I series followed by a 3-match ODI series.

Both teams will then face-off for a five-match Test series which begins on August 1 at Birmingham.

Before the England trip, the Indian team will play two T20Is against Ireland. The matches will be played in Dublin on June 27 and 29 respectively.