Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is reportedly planning to move to London with his family. Speculation about his relocation to the UK has been circulating for the past few months. However, recent remarks from his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, have clarified the situation. Here’s what he shared (as reported by Dainik Jagran):
“Yes, Virat plans to move to London with his children and wife, Anushka Sharma. He is going to be leaving India and shifting very soon. However, right now, Kohli is spending most of his time with his family apart from cricket.”
Over the years, several prominent Indian cricketers have relocated to foreign countries in pursuit of better opportunities. Some sought improved employment prospects or a higher quality of life for their children, while others aimed to continue their cricketing careers in a new environment.
Here are the 5 Indian Cricketers Who Have Made Their Homes Overseas:
#5 Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa, who made his India debut in 2006, played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, scoring a total of 1,183 runs. In the IPL, the right-handed batter appeared in 205 matches, amassing 4,952 runs with 27 half-centuries. He also secured two IPL titles, with KKR in 2014 and CSK in 2022.
After retiring from all forms of cricket in 2022, Uthappa transitioned to working as an analyst for production houses and frequently participates in leagues dedicated to former cricketers. Recently, he relocated from Bengaluru to Dubai, citing issues like the city’s frequent traffic congestion and his desire to provide quality education for his children.
#4 Farokh Engineer
Former wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer represented India from 1961 to 1975, scoring 2,725 runs in 51 international matches and achieving 69 catches and 17 stumpings. During his career, he accepted a contract to play for the English club Lancashire, representing the team until 1976.
His performances drew crowds from far and wide to watch him in action. Following his retirement, Engineer relocated to Manchester with his wife Julie, who was also from the area. He later established a textile business and settled in Cheshire.
#3 Rusi Surti
Rusi Surti made his India debut in 1960 against Pakistan at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. His international career, marked by interruptions, ended in 1969. Over 26 Tests, he scored 1,263 runs, including nine half-centuries and two centuries, and also excelled as a left-arm pacer, claiming 42 wickets.
Later in his career, Surti received an offer from Queensland, becoming the first Indian to play in the Sheffield Shield. He represented Queensland in 35 matches before retiring in 1972. Afterward, he established a private coaching clinic in Brisbane, where he eventually settled.
#2 Budhi Kunderan
Keeper-batter Budhi Kunderan earned a surprise call-up to the Indian team after chief selector Lala Amarnath was impressed by his batting performances for Railways. He made his debut in January 1960 against Australia and went on to score 981 runs in 18 Tests, including two centuries.
After being dropped from the team in 1967, Kunderan signed a contract with Drumpellier, a Scottish club, and moved to Glasgow in 1970. He played for the club until the 1975-76 season. Kunderan passed away from lung cancer at the age of 66 in Scotland in 2006.
Notably, his innings of 192 remained the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests until MS Dhoni surpassed it with a knock of 224 in 2013.
#1 Unmukt Chand
Unmukt Chand rose to prominence after captaining India to victory in the 2012 U19 World Cup. He was the tournament’s standout batter for India, scoring 246 runs, including an unbeaten 111 in a thrilling chase against Australia in the final. At just 18, Chand made his IPL debut and became a regular member of the India A team.
However, his batting form did not progress as expected, and his final IPL appearance came in 2016. Following this, he chose to retire from Indian cricket and relocate to the USA. Currently, Chand plays club cricket in the USA and participates in various franchise leagues worldwide.
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