Multiple Indian cricketers have left their marks on the ongoing County Championship. One of the star cricketers from India, Yuzvendra Chahal, delivered a magical delivery to take a wicket. The experienced Team India spinner bamboozled a Kent Cricket batter to uproot the timbers. 

Chahal's dream delivery attracted cricket fans, and the video of the moment went viral on social media platforms. The 34-year-old is now playing a County Championship match with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. Against Kent, Chahal dismissed Ekansh Singh, a middle-order batter. During the third delivery of the 8th over of Kent's second innings, Chahal launched a ball angled towards the middle of the on stump; after hitting the deck, it turned and crashed onto the off stump to bowl out Singh. 

So far, it has been raining runs at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence. Batting first, Kent scored 566 for the exchange of 8 wickets. In reply, Northamptonshire created a mountain of runs, 722 for 6, and then they decided to declare their innings. As Kent scored 550-plus runs, the difference between the two teams is not too much. To keep the driving seat within the grip, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club needs to take wickets at regular intervals. 

Read More: MLC 2025 – Texas Super Kings vs Washington Freedom: Players Battle to watch out

Chahal already took 2

Singh's wicket can prove importan in the later part of the game if Northamptonshire manages to clinch the rest of the scalps before the end of the day. Ekansh was looking set on the track, scoring at a good pace. With a 112.50 strike rate, the 18-year-old right-handed batter scored 27 off 24 balls, powered by five 4s. 

In the first innings of the first, Yuzvendra Chahal bowled 42 overs but couldn't manage to grab any wickets, leaked 129 runs, and offered his team 8 maidens. In the second essay, he already produced a clinic delivery to dismiss a couple of scalps. After dismissing Singh, Chahal made way for Kent opener Ben Compton. 

Watch the dream delivery here

A BEAUTY FROM YUZVENDRA CHAHAL IN COUNTY CRICKET 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/COeo2w3uzR

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 2, 2025

Surrey’s dominance at the Kia Oval hit historic heights as they amassed a jaw-dropping 820 for 9 declared against Durham, their highest ever total in first-class cricket, eclipsing a 126-year-old record. Leading the charge was Dom Sibley, whose monumental 305 off 475 balls anchored a relentless five-session batting onslaught in the County Championship Division One clash.

The former England opener batted over ten hours, compiling his maiden triple-century and the eighth 300-plus individual score in Surrey's history. He was well supported by equally dazzling knocks from Dan Lawrence (178 off 149) and Will Jacks (119 off 94), with Sam Curran (108 off 124) also chipping in during the early stages of Surrey’s innings.

Surrey resumed day two on 407 for 3, and under scorching sunshine that soared above 30°C, Sibley and Lawrence put Durham’s bowlers to the sword in a brutal fourth-wicket stand of 334, a new record partnership for Surrey against Durham. Lawrence peppered his fluent innings with four sixes and 19 boundaries, before holing out at point off Daniel Hogg.

Surrey Rewrite Record Books as Sibley’s 305 and Jacks’ Blitz Leave Durham Reeling

Jack's kept the foot down with a blistering century, adding 133 with Sibley in just 21 overs. His powerful strokeplay, including four sixes, saw Surrey go past the historic 811 scored at the same venue in 1899. Jacks fell just after tea, trying for a third consecutive six, prompting the declaration at 820 for 9.

It was fitting that the record-breaking moment, a towering six from Jacks, came with schoolchildren cheering from the stands, part of a 5,000-strong crowd. Sibley, who had entered the day on 169, walked off to a standing ovation, falling 25 runs short of reaching 1000 runs this season, but firm atop the Championship run-scorers’ list with 975 at an average over 75.

The carnage left Durham’s bowlers shell-shocked. George Drissell bore the brunt of the hammering, returning figures of 1 for 247 in 45 overs, the most runs ever conceded by a bowler in a County Championship innings. Will Rhodes, meanwhile, was the most successful of the visitors with 3 for 131.

ALSO SEE: 'India would play three spinners...' - Former India player wants surprising changes in playing XI for upcoming ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Durham’s reply got off to a wobbly start as Matt Fisher struck early, bowling Emilio Gay behind his legs in the fourth over. At stumps, the visitors were 59 for 1, still trailing by a mammoth 761 runs, and facing a mountain to avoid the follow-on. Openers Alex Lees (33)* and Will Rhodes (16)* survived a probing final session but were lucky to escape unscathed, both offering dropped chances off Surrey seamers.

With three full days remaining, the defending champions, undefeated this season and currently second in Division One, are firmly in command. For Durham, languishing in sixth, the task now is to bat time and save face in what’s been a chastening outing in London.

County Championship Division One – Day 2 Highlights:

• Surrey 820-9 dec (Sibley 305, Lawrence 178, Jacks 119, Curran 108)
• Durham 59-1 (Lees 33)*
• Surrey lead by 761 runs

Elsewhere in the Championship:

• Jake Libby (228)* and Adam Hose (266) powered Worcestershire to 679-7 before Hampshire ended the day on 68-3.
• At Taunton, Ben Slater guided Nottinghamshire to 214-3 with a gritty 116* in reply to Somerset’s 379.
• Daniel Hughes (151) put Sussex in control against Warwickshire at Hove.
• England legend James Anderson claimed two wickets as Lancashire tightened the screws on Derbyshire at Chesterfield.
• Leicestershire collapsed to 103 for 8, replying to Middlesex’s 534, led by Ben Geddes' 137.
• Daniel Bell-Drummond (158) starred for Kent against Northamptonshire, who ended the day on 140-1.
• James Bracey's 133 helped Gloucestershire to 380; Glamorgan responded with 228-4, thanks to an unbroken 107-run stand between Colin Ingram and Ben Kellaway.

Sibley’s marathon knock, Surrey’s historic peak, and Durham’s toil under the sun will be etched into county cricket folklore. With the ball already doing tricks under the lights on day two, the champions may well fancy a three-day finish and yet another win to bolster their title defence.

A rare frame has emerged after an unexpected combination on the field. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas took a selfie with star India player Ishan Kishan after their match in the County Championship. When India and Pakistan shared a tense situation only a few days ago, the photo of Kishan and Abbas came as a surprise to many.

Though, whoever follows cricket thoroughly can understand the reason behind the popular selfie. India's Ishan Kishan and Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas found themselves as teammates in Nottinghamshire for the current County Championship season. The Indian keeper-batter joined the club on a short-term deal. The 40th match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire witnessed the combination of these two players.

Abbas tricked Adam Lyth, the opener of Yorkshire, who was beaten by the pace, and got a thick edge that carried behind the stumps into the gloves of Ishan Kishan. Lyth departed with a golden duck. The India-Pakistan duo produced a success for Nottinghamshire. The partnership seems to extend beyond the match as well.

Read More: “Tum khoob qamiyab ho” - CSK star’s wife shares adorable moments and pens heartfelt note on his 32nd birthday

An entertaining match from beginning to end

The Pakistani pacer took the selfie after the match and shared that on the internet through his official social media account. On the field with the county club, Ishan played a significant innings, missing a century only by a few runs. He played an outstanding innings of 87 runs in 98 balls with 12 boundaries and a solitary over-boundary. That innings came under pressure and showed a reason why the keeper-batter is considered as one of the contenders to make a Team India return. 

The match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire ended in a draw. In reply to Nottinghamshire's 487, the opposing team scored 510 in the second innings. Finlay Bean's 224-run knock came to rescue Yorkshire. Abbas was able to claim only one wicket in 20 overs. The match ended in the second innings after Nottinghamshire declared their innings for 148/1. 

It was the moment when a record was created and, till today, has yet to be broken. During a County Championship match between Sussex and Leicestershire. Sussex won the match by 18 runs, but it was a Leicestershire batsman who broke the previous record of most runs in a single over.

The match was on a June day in 2024, under a blue, sunny sky, with runs pouring in Hove. Leicestershire needed 464 runs to win the target. Usually, these kinds of targets are looking out of the range. But when a team has in-form batters to bat on a batting-friendly surface, then the scenario can be different.

Louis Kimber was batting like crazy. If he could stay on the pitch for a few more deliveries, the result could be different. The right-handed batter played an incredible 243-run innings against 127 balls. With 20 boundaries and a whopping 21 over-boundaries, his strike rate took just over 191. Timber in an over of Ollie Robinson broke all the limits.

Read More: "You need to press more” - Former India all-rounder’s blunt criticism of Ravindra Jadeja in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Fours and sixes accompanied by no balls

Robinson came to bowl and leaked a jaw-dropping 43 runs. 6 balls, 43 runs may sound beyond possibilities, but it actually happened. How? At the end of over 58, Leicestershire was on 238/7. After the 59th over, the scoreboard was ticking at 281/7. The 59th over was like 6, 6nb, 4, 6, 4, 6nb, 4, 6bn, 1—in this way Kimber updated the history in his own style.

The record is yet to be broken. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, "Kimber was circumspect initially and scored 26 off his first 30 balls before a calculated assault on offspinner Carson, whom he hit for 20 in an over, took him to a 37-ball fifty."

Summary of the scoreboard:

Sussex: 442 and 296/6d (Alsop 81*, Hunt 65, Currie 2-28) 

Leicestershire: 275 and 445 (Kimber 243, Coles 3-95, Carson 3-99) 

Sussex won the match by 18 runs.

The Indian team is currently on a tour of England, where a five-match Test series is being played between the two sides. At the same time, several Indian players are also taking part in county cricket, including Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. Tilak is playing for Hampshire this season and has impressed everyone with a brilliant century in his debut match. He is playing red-ball cricket after a long time.

Left-handed Indian batter Tilak Varma scored a superb century for Hampshire in his County Championship debut against Essex at the County Ground in Chelmsford on Tuesday. He started the third day on 98 and soon reached his sixth First-Class century, taking 239 balls to get there.

Tilak has signed a contract to play four matches for Hampshire in the Rothesay County Championship, which will be played from June 22 to August 1. His first match was against Essex in Chelmsford, held from June 22 to 25.

Also Read -England or India - which team is the favorite heading into Day 5 of ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test?

The match began with Essex scoring 296 runs in their first innings. In reply, Hampshire had a poor start, losing two wickets for just 34 runs. Tilak Varma came in to bat at number 4 and played a calm and mature innings, helping the team recover. By the end of Day 2, Hampshire had scored 293 runs for 4 wickets, with Tilak unbeaten on 98. On Day 3, he completed his century and continued to bat well.

Tilak shared important partnerships during his innings. He had half-century stands with Fletcha Middleton (61) and Ben Brown (42), and a century partnership with Liam Dawson, who remained unbeaten on 79. Though Tilak was solid in defence, he also showed his attacking style by hitting two sixes off Matt Critchley — one over long leg and a reverse-sweep — and another six off Shane Snater.

WHAT A KNOCK BY TILAK VERMA. 🫡

He smashed a brilliant Hundred, he scored 100 runs from 241 balls for Hampshire in the County debut in England.

- A dream debut for Tilak Verma..!!! pic.twitter.com/HICLMRVJMD

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 24, 2025

Earlier in the match, Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott bowled brilliantly and took 5 wickets for 26 runs in 19 overs. He now leads the Championship’s wicket-taking chart with 37 wickets this season. Essex, on the other hand, had a boost with the return of Sam Cook from England duty, playing his first Championship match since early May.

Tilak Verma scored a hundred in his debut County Championship match.

After getting 34/2 while playing for Hampshire, Tilak Verma completed a hundred in 239 balls.

Good news for India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZZMoTGR1ab

— Gurlabh Singh (@gurlabhsingh610) June 24, 2025

Tilak Varma has already played white-ball cricket for India, appearing in 4 ODIs and 25 T20Is. However, he has not yet made his Test debut. In IPL 2025, he played for Mumbai Indians but didn’t have a great season, scoring 343 runs in 16 matches at an average of 31.18, including two fifties.

Along with Tilak, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan also impressed in his County Championship debut. Playing for Nottinghamshire, Ishan played an attacking innings of 87 runs, hitting 12 fours and 1 six. However, he missed out on a century and was dismissed by off-spinner Dom Bess.

Both Indian players have made a strong impact in their county debuts, and fans will be eager to see how they perform in the remaining matches.

Ishan Kishan’s list of unforgettable career moments continues to expand, with the Indian wicket-keeper batsman smashing a half-century on debut for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. Going out to bat in entirely alien English conditions, Kishan demonstrated why he is considered one of India’s most fearless young prospects. His aggressive shot-making and ability to quickly settle into the game were on full display as he crafted a composed yet attacking fifty, proving that his talent knows no boundaries. According to Sportstar, this debut knock came against an unnamed opponent, but what stood out was Kishan’s determination to make an impact and expand his game outside the subcontinent.

For a player know for its flair and dare, County is important chapter in his cricket career." Ishan has batted like he has always played and the message always is to take the game to the opposition, be it while playing for Jharkhand in domestic cricket, opening the innings for India or doing the same in the IPL. His performances in the Premier League suggest this is someone who isn’t content living on past glories and is prepared to take himself out of his comfort zone to further develop his own game. This fifty not only in county cricket, is not just another number; it’s a message of the sort he seeks to convey with his hunger to keep bettering himself in the modes of the game.

This is not the first time Kishan has shone on debut. Fans still remember how he smashed a quickfire fifty on his T20 International debut and repeated the feat in his first ODI for India. Achieving a half-century in three different debut appearances  T20I, ODI, and now County Championship  is no small feat and highlights his ability to handle pressure on big occasions. For a young wicketkeeper-batter, such consistent performances make him a valuable asset and a strong contender for a long run in all formats.

Watch :

🚨 FIFTY FOR ISHAN KISHAN ON HIS COUNT DEBUT 🚨

- Terrific knock by Ishan under pressure 👌 pic.twitter.com/B5vrQbZTWO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: England Champions announced squad for World Championship of Legends 2025

A Player Evolving Beyond Boundaries

Kishan’s decision to play county cricket is also a sign of maturity. Facing quality bowlers in swinging conditions is a challenge that will only make him a better batter when he returns to the national side. He knows that to succeed at the highest level, he must constantly test himself in new situations.

Even as he keeps scoring and wining hearts with his brand of fearless cricket, Ishan Kishan is gradually becoming one of India’s most reliable and delicious players. With every game, he’s showing that he has both the character and the ability to thrive anywhere in the world. Fans will be waiting for many more achievements from this one in years ahead.

After some underwhelming weeks, Ruturaj Gaikwad signed his first county cricket contract, and he is set to play his maiden County Championship with Yorkshire after bagging the deal. The Indian batter who has lots of runs in Indian domestic cricket will try his fortune in England. The 28-year-old batter is now in England with the India A team ahead of the 5-match Test series, which will be the first Test assignment for Team India under a new World Test Championship (WTC) circle.

Gaikwad is unlikely to get any chances in the series, as he was out of the unofficial matches against England Lions too. Gaikwad will join Yorkshire ahead of their Championship fixture against Surrey next month and will remain with the team for the rest of the season, including during the One-Day Cup. 

"I'm excited to be joining up with Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season. 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," Gaikwad said after confirming the county cricket deal. 

Read More: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Rishabh Pant breaks Kent County stadium roof with monstrous six

Though Yorkshire's love for Indian cricketers is not new for the cricket world. In the past, legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh also played for the club in England. 

The right-handed batter so far has played a total of 29 matches for India across ODIs and T20Is. But his career graph has yet to justify the talent he carries. In 6 One Day International matches, the Maharashtra-born cricketer has scored only 115 runs and 633 runs in 23 T20Is for team India, including an unbeaten 123-run innings against Australia in Guwahati. He last played for India in July 2024. 

List of Indian players joined Yorkshire:

1) Sachin Tendulkar.

2) Yuvraj Singh.

3) Cheteshwar Pujara.

4) Ruturaj Gaikwad.

India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad has signed with Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the second half of the 2025 English domestic season. The 28-year-old, who captains Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and Maharashtra in Indian domestic cricket, will join Yorkshire ahead of their County Championship match against Surrey at Scarborough on July 22 and remain available through the end of the season. He will also feature in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

Currently touring England with India A, Gaikwad brings a solid track record across formats. In first-class cricket, he averages 41.77 with seven centuries, while his List A record is even more impressive, averaging 56.15 with 16 hundreds. His ability to adapt across formats and bat anywhere in the top four makes him a versatile addition to Yorkshire’s setup.

“I’m excited to be joining up with Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season,” said Gaikwad. “It has always been a goal of mine to experience county cricket, and there’s no bigger club in England than Yorkshire. We’ve got some crucial matches coming up, and I hope to contribute strongly to our campaign.”

ALSO SEE: Rohit Sharma to miss 2027 World Cup? Captaincy twist sparks speculation

Indian Opener Set to Boost Yorkshire’s Batting Line-Up in Championship and One-Day Cup Return

This signing comes after Gaikwad missed the latter half of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury, making his return to competitive cricket even more anticipated. Yorkshire’s head coach, Anthony McGrath, praised the move: “Ruturaj is a highly accomplished cricketer with a game well-suited to the style we want to play. His presence will bring added strength to our batting and the ability to accelerate when needed.”

General Manager Gavin Hamilton added: “Gaikwad’s consistency across formats and leadership experience will greatly enhance our squad. We’re delighted to welcome him.” Yorkshire fans will be eager to see the stylish right-hander in action as he aims to make an immediate impact in the County Championship and help the White Rose push for silverware in the One-Day Cup.

County Championship 2025

Essex: 206 and 163/4 (52.3 Overs)

Somerset: 145/10

Essex lead by 224 runs

The season of summer is approaching England. Under a clear blue sky, carpets like soft green grass fields; an ideal day for cricket. 

County championship is underway in England; teams packed with international and underrated talents are showing their skills. When the cover was removed from County Ground's 22-yard surface, bowlers, especially field-first teams' pacers, were pumped after seeing a green top wicket. The wicket is looking so green from the stand that it is difficult to differentiate the pitch and the outfield— a heavenly view for pace bowlers.

The Somerset vs. Essex County Championship match is underway in Taunton, on the green topsoil. As the match progressed, spinners, along with pacers, also started to get help from the wicket. So batters mostly had to hold on to copybook basics and their techniques.

Essex is leading the race

Batted first, Essex managed to score 206, a good total considering the condition. 20-year-old all-rounder Noah Thain was the leading run scorer with 41 against 112 balls. Experienced spinner Jack Leach proved most effective for Somerset in the first innings with 3 scalps after bowling 30 overs, with an economy rate of 1.17.

Watch the green top wicket here

The pitch for Somerset Vs Essex match. pic.twitter.com/ey2p0bA6nD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 4, 2025

Somerset, when out for batting, was mostly troubled by the off-break bowler Simon Harmer, who took 4 wickets. Sam Cook, recently named to the England Test side, claimed a brace. At the end of day 2, Essex, in a commanding position, escalated their lead by 224 runs. Jordan Cox, another Essex player with Cook, has made his way into the Test squad and remained on the pitch for an unbeaten 61. 

India's star pacer Shardul Thakur is representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. The top player has not been provided with a spot in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. Shardul is, however, set to represent the Essex team in the County Championship soon. Shardul's return can be useful for him to regain a spot in the Indian team.

🚨 SHARDUL THAKUR TO COUNTY CRICKET 🚨

- Essex is set to sign Shardul Thakur for this county season. [Nisarg Naik]

Huge boost for him ahead of the England Test series. pic.twitter.com/czMp7r7On4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

Shardul Thakur Representation to India :
Shardul Thakur was the last of them when he represented India in Tests and ODIs in 2023. But he didn't perform well. He wasn't included in the Indian squad for being out of form. But Shardul also played for India in ICC tournaments during 2023. Shardul was part of the Indian team in World Test Championship 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023. It is tough now to think of his return to the Indian team. He is playing for Mumbai in domestic cricket now. Shardul is also playing in the current semi-final match being conducted against Vidarbha on behalf of Mumbai.

ALSO SEE :  Harbhajan Singh sighs huge warning To Be Aware Of This Pakistani Player Ahead Before Their Mega Clash

Performance in Ranji Trophy :
Shardul has played his best ever in the Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai. Speaking about the last 3 matches, he has stunned everyone with bat and ball. He has picked 19 wickets in the last 3 matches, besides this, while batting in the last 3 matches, he has made 2 half-centuries besides 1 century. But by featuring in the County Championship, he will be in a position to market himself for a return to the Indian Test team since the Indian team will travel to England to play a 5-match Test series following IPL 2025. In the event that Shardul performs exceptional cricket in the County Championship overseas, then he could get noticed by the Indian selectors.

Career of Shardul Thakur: