Yuzvendra Chahal, one of the world’s most skilled leg-spinners, is set to return to England for the 2025 cricket season. This follows an impressive stint in 2024, where he made significant contributions to his team’s success. Chahal’s new deal will see him join his English club in June, following the completion of his commitments with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

In 2024, Chahal made an immediate impact with his English team. He took five wickets on his debut in the One-Day Cup, showcasing his ability to adapt quickly to new conditions. His standout performance came in the County Championship, where he recorded career-best figures of 9 for 99. This impressive display not only highlighted his skill but also demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer in red-ball cricket.

A memorable debut season for Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal’s English team is none other than Northamptonshire, a prominent county cricket club known for its rich history and competitive spirit. His involvement with Northamptonshire will see him feature in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup. His first match is scheduled for June 22 against Middlesex. Chahal’s contributions were instrumental in securing back-to-back wins for Northamptonshire against Derbyshire and Leicestershire. By the end of the season, he had taken 19 wickets in just four first-class matches, maintaining an impressive average of 21. This performance underscored his value as a key player for the team and set the stage for his return in 2025.

Also READ: Dhanashree Verma restores photos with Yuzvendra Chahal, shares a cryptic post amid Yuzi-Mahvash link-up rumours

Enthusiasm and expectations

According to Times of India, Chahal expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining Northamptonshire, stating, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season, so I’m very happy to be coming back. There are some great people in that dressing room, and I can’t wait to be part of that again. We played some great cricket towards the back end of the season, so hopefully, we’re able to replicate that and big up some victories.”

His eagerness to reunite with his teammates and contribute to the team’s success is palpable, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return.

New head coach Darren Lehmann welcomed Chahal’s return, highlighting his invaluable experience and skill. Lehmann noted, “I’m really excited that one of the best leg spinners in the world is returning to Northamptonshire this season. He brings invaluable experience, and he’s an absolute gentleman who loves the game. Having him available from mid-June until the end of the season will be fantastic for us“. CEO Ray Payne echoed these sentiments, praising Chahal’s professionalism and positive influence on the squad.

Chahal’s international experience and recent success

Despite not featuring for India since 2023, Chahal was part of the squad that won the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. This international experience, combined with his success in county cricket, makes him a prized asset for Northamptonshire. His recent success in the IPL, where he became the most expensive spinner in the league’s history with a record-breaking ₹18 crore bid, further underscores his value as a top-class spinner.

Chahal’s return to Northamptonshire coincides with India’s high-profile five-Test series in England, which begins on June 20. Although he is not currently part of India’s Test plans, his involvement with Northamptonshire will provide him with valuable red-ball experience. This could potentially enhance his chances of returning to the international stage in the future.

Also READ: Did Yuzvendra Chahal kiss RJ Mahvash during IND vs NZ 2025 Champions Trophy final? Here’s the truth