Auqib Nabi (Surrey)
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is the latest Indian talent to join the county bandwagon, signing a short-term deal with Surrey for three matches. This move is seen as a strategic step facilitated by the BCCI to give him valuable red-ball experience
in English conditions ahead of India's Test tour of New Zealand in November. Nabi's stock soared after he led Jammu and Kashmir to a historic Ranji Trophy title, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with a remarkable 60 wickets. Though he earned a maiden Test squad call-up against Sri Lanka, he didn't get a game, making this county stint a crucial opportunity to impress the selectors.
Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire)
Veteran wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is back for his third consecutive season with Northamptonshire. A white-ball specialist for India, Chahal's county deal is focused on proving his mettle in the longer format. He is featuring in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup. So far in the 2026 One-Day Cup, he has been impressive, grabbing 15 wickets in seven games at a lean economy rate. His continued presence in county cricket signals a strong desire to stay relevant for red-ball selection and adapt his skills to different conditions.
Mayank Agarwal (Durham)
Out-of-favour India opener Mayank Agarwal has signed a four-match deal with Durham to play in the final phase of the County Championship's Division Two. Durham recruited the experienced batsman to bolster their push for promotion to Division One, stepping in as a replacement for South African batter David Bedingham. Agarwal, who has not played for India since 2022, has prior experience in English conditions with Yorkshire in 2025. With nearly 9,000 first-class runs to his name, this stint is a clear attempt to score heavily and knock on the doors of the national selectors once again.
Rahul Chahar (Surrey)
Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar is back at Surrey for an eight-game stint in the County Championship after a sensational, record-breaking debut in 2025 where he took ten wickets in a single match. His second innings figures of 8 for 51 in that game were the best by a Surrey debutant in over 160 years. In the 2026 season, he has already made an impact, picking up nine wickets in his first two games, including a six-wicket haul. Chahar's goal is to build on his white-ball success for India by honing his red-ball skills.
Jaydev Unadkat (Sussex)
Veteran left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat is a familiar face at Sussex, having been associated with the club since 2023. He returned in August 2026 to play in the final six matches of the County Championship season. Unadkat has a formidable record with the team, having taken over 50 wickets for Sussex across his multiple stints. This year, he has already taken 12 wickets in four games. For Unadkat, county cricket serves as ideal preparation for the demanding Indian domestic season and a way to keep his name in the conversation for national selection.
The Supporting Cast
Beyond the big names, other Indian players are also making their mark. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav signed a short-term contract with Yorkshire, playing in the One-Day Cup before returning for the end of the Championship season. Left-arm spinner Sai Kishore joined Gloucestershire for a six-match deal and made an immediate impact with a four-wicket haul on debut. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mahipal Lomror and spinner Manav Suthar are also part of the Indian contingent, with Lomror signing for Surrey and Suthar having turned out for Warwickshire.
