Twitter reacts as Virat Kohli lands his maiden county stint

In an exciting revelation in the world of cricket, India skipper Virat Kohli has signed a one-month deal with English county side Surrey ahead of India’s tour to England. The India captain is set to feature in both the Royal London One Day Cup and the County Championship next month. Kohli is available to make his Surrey debut against Kent at Beckenham in the One-Day Cup on 1 June, before rounding off his stint in a four-day fixture at Scarborough against Yorkshire.

If Surrey qualifies from the group stage of the One-Day Cup, Kohli could play in the quarter-finals and potentially semi-finals in mid-June. The final of the competition is on 30 June, although Surrey has only confirmed he will play up to the Championship match against the Tykes. However, this sensational coup implies that Virat won’t be available for the historic one-off Test against Afghanistan, which will be played out in Bangalore.

After the confirmation of the deal, an upbeat Virat Kohli was quoted saying, “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.”

The 29-year-old will be joining the likes of other Indians-Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Varun Aaron who are already plying their trade in England for different franchises. With Virat coming in, it will be really interesting to see the performance of these players in the upcoming England tour.

It should also be noted that Kohli had a poor outing against England in the 2014 tour where he scored just 134 runs in 5 tests at an average of 13.4.This series raised eyebrows regarding his selection in the longer format of the game. And Kohli will be hoping a stint with Surrey stands him in good stead to inspire the tourists in a five-match series, which starts on August 1.

Soon after the news was disclosed, cricketers and pundits across the social media looked ecstatic with the signing. This is how Twitter reacted for Kohli’s maiden County stint

You can see the reactions below

Loads of great grounds that Virat Kohli will get a taste of. The Champo game at the Ageas Bowl is also the one Dale Steyn's due to play in for Hampshire… Morkel back by then too

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) May 3, 2018

Sad to say that @surreycricket beat us to the signing of @imVkohli. For the record we offered the Whitnell's spare room, first in the line at tea, bat at 6 and can even turn his arm over if he wanted. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, but you are welcome down brambletrees anytime.

— Borstal Cricket Club (@BorstalCricket) May 3, 2018

Wow what a signing @surreycricket to have one of the greatest batsmen of all time at your club.Welcome @imVkohli to the club. I’m sure you’ll love scarbados v @YorkshireCCC #Fish&Chips

— Ryan Sidebottom (@RyanSidebottom) May 3, 2018

Virat Kohli (24.9m Twitter followers) the second biggest name to play Scarborough this summer after Britney Spears (57.9m).
Other measurements of star quality are available.

— Chris Waters (@CWatersYPSport) May 3, 2018

Fair play to Virat Kohli .. in a time where some cricketers are reducing their red ball exposure.. the busiest cricketer on the planet is putting it first to prepare for a test series in England .. giving himself the best chance to succeed!!

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) May 3, 2018

There will doubtless be chuntering about giving Virat Kohli a tune up before the England series. But it's Virat Kohli. The biggest player on the planet. Huge coup for county game

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) May 3, 2018

Coup for Surrey to sign world cricket's biggest superstar – but. of course, it allows Virat Kohli to get used to conditions in England, where he has previously struggled, before India's tour.

— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) May 3, 2018

Wow!! Welcome to the UK Kohli ? What an unbelievable signing. ???#WelcomeKohli #ViratKohli https://t.co/4hh6aVRIzu

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) May 3, 2018

Great for the county championship that Virat Kohli is making his way to Surrey for a month this season! Now that is a serious signing! There’s going to be some very lucky lads to learn off one of the best?? #Kohli #countycricket

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) May 3, 2018

Virat Kohli will miss Afghanistan Test and play county cricket instead before the England series. Fakhar Zaman had his NOC for county cricket revoked cos Pakistan wanted him for a fitness test at home. #GoFigure

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) May 3, 2018

If someone doesn’t take Kohli to watch the boats sink on Peasholm Park lake I will be very disappointed.

— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) May 3, 2018

Kohli playing English domestic cricket is just what the county game needs. Shame it’s only a brief stint.

— The Cricket Enthusiast (@CrickEnthusiast) May 3, 2018