Northamptonshire signs Indian pacer Siddharth Kaul for ongoing County Championship

Siddarth Kaul of Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/IANS)

Indian right-arm fast bowler Siddharth Kaul is set to make his debut in English domestic cricket after signing with Northamptonshire for the upcoming County Championship matches. The 33-year-old pacer from Punjab brings a wealth of experience to the fifth-placed team as they push for promotion from Division Two.

Kaul has been a consistent performer in the Indian domestic circuit, having taken 284 wickets in 83 first-class matches at an impressive average of 26.45. His ability to run through batting lineups is highlighted by his 13 four-wicket hauls and 16 five-wicket hauls, with best innings figures of 6/27. Northamptonshire's head coach John Sadler is excited to add such a seasoned campaigner to his bowling unit.

"Sid has a lot of experience with the ball. He's played a lot of First-Class cricket and is keen to make a big impact when he joins the squad. "He's finished his domestic season over in India where he picked up some good form. So hopefully, he continues that on with us," said Sadler as quoted by India Today.

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I'm very happy to be here to represent Northamptonshire: Siddharth Kaul

Kaul, who has represented India in three ODIs and three T20Is, is raring to get going with his new county side. The pacer has played in 54 IPL games and picked 58 wickets. "I'm very happy to be here to represent Northamptonshire and very excited to help the team win games and push for promotion," he said.

"I'm confident that I will bring my positive mindset and experience to help my teammates win in any situation in the match," he added.

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The right-armer provides a timely boost for Northamptonshire, who currently sit just 12 points behind the promotion places. With three crucial matches remaining against bottom-club Gloucestershire, sixth-placed Middlesex, and promotion rivals Worcestershire, Kaul's skills could prove decisive.

His first taste of English county cricket will come at home to Gloucestershire, starting this Friday at Wantage Road. Having wrapped up a successful Ranji Trophy campaign, Kaul will be aiming to make an immediate impact with his new club as they target an immediate return to Division One.