Cricket

Offspinner Amar Virdi's departure from Surrey marks the end of an era for the county, as the 26-year-old departs after a decade-long association with the club. Virdi's release comes as a surprise, given his impressive performances in Surrey's 2018 County Championship-winning season, where he claimed 39 wickets.Virdi's career trajectory has taken a downturn in recent years, with the offspinner falling out of favor with Surrey's management. The emergence of batting allrounders like Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence has limited Virdi's opportunities, despite his proven ability as a wicket-taker.In search of regular playing time, Virdi spent the latter part of the 2024 county season on loan at Worcestershire, where he impressed with 14 wickets in four matches. However, a permanent move to Worcestershire is unlikely, leaving Virdi's future uncertain.Virdi's departure is a significant loss for Surrey, who have relied heavily on his spin bowling in recent years. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch has been a key factor in Surrey's success, and his absence will be felt.For Virdi, the move away from Surrey presents an opportunity for a fresh start. The offspinner remains confident in his abilities and believes he has much to offer the game. With his experience and talent, Virdi is likely to attract interest from other counties looking to bolster their spin bowling options.