Hampshire sign India batsman Ajinkya Rahane

The 30-year-old batsman will replace Aiden Markram as the club's overseas player when the South African leaves to join the Proteas' World Cup squad

Hampshire have announced the signing of Ajinkya Rahane who becomes the first Indian cricketer to represent the club.

The 30-year-old batsman - who will replace Aiden Markram as the club's overseas player when the South African leaves to join the Proteas' World Cup squad - will be available for eight County Championship matches across May, June and July.

The right-hander, who has 3,488 Test runs to his name, could make is debut against Warwickshire at Edgbaston on May 14.

The batsman is currently representing Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, where he has recently been replaced as the franchise's captain with Australia's Steve Smith assuming the role.

COUNTY HUB

Rahane greeted the move, saying: "I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation. I hope to score runs and win as a team and would like to thank BCCI for allowing me to play."

Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White, said: "We’re delighted to attract a player of Ajinkya’s class and with both Aiden and Dimuth selected for the World Cup, we were obviously in the market for a top-order batsman.

"Ajinkya showed an interest early on and the way things have played out it’s a great opportunity to get him over - we’re really excited to have him with us. 

"He’s enjoyed playing at the Ageas Bowl previously and it’s going to be great to have a player of his stature joining the dressing room."