Surrey announce signing of India star Virat Kohli for the month of June

Surrey have announced that India captain Virat Kohli will be signing for them for the month of June.

Director of cricket Alec Stewart has secured the services of the superstar batsman once his duties in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore are complete, with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) hoping a month in the county game should help Kohli adapt to English conditions ahead of this summer's tour.

The elegant right-hander will get his first taste of county cricket at The Oval, a ground he knows well from his time on the international circuit, and will significantly strengthen the batting talent available to Michael Di Venuto.

Kohli should be available for three County Championship games during his month in south London; away at Hampshire, a home four-dayer against Somerset at Guildford and then a trip to Scarborough.

The 29-year-old should play in three Royal London one-day cup games too, with Surrey scheduled to face Kent at Beckenham before a trip to Lord's and then Glamorgan's visit to The Oval.

South African Dean Elgar is currently Surrey's overseas player, while Australia's Aaron Finch has been signed up for the T20 blast competition.

In 2017, Kohli was also named as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World and as captain of the ICC Test and ODI Teams of the Year.

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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.”