SACA Graduate Nikhil Gorantla Signs Professional Deal with Surrey

SACA Graduate Nikhil Gorantla Signs Professional Deal with Surrey

Promising right-handed batter Nikhil Gorantla has signed a multi-year professional contract with Surrey County Cricket Club, becoming the latest success story from the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA).

The 23-year-old Cambridge-born cricketer has earned the deal after an impressive run of form for Surrey’s Second XI this season. A graduate of Durham University with a degree in Chemistry, Gorantla has steadily built his cricketing resume over recent years, representing Essex Second XI — where he famously scored a double century against Yorkshire in 2022 — and playing club cricket for sides including South Northumberland and Sawston & Babraham.

Gorantla was also part of the relaunched MCC Young Cricketers programme in 2025 and joined SACA in 2023. He is now set to join Surrey’s first-team squad as he begins training with the club this week.

“I'm incredibly proud that my hard work over the past few years with SACA, Durham University, club cricket and the MCC Young Cricketers has been rewarded with a contract at the biggest club in the country,” said Gorantla. “The work SACA continues to do for young cricketers has been phenomenal.”

SACA, founded in 2022 by Dr Tom Brown, aims to offer British-Asian cricketers a second pathway into professional cricket. The programme has already produced several county-level professionals, including Worcestershire batter Kashif Ali and Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan, who featured on England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean in 2024.

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s High Performance Advisor, praised Gorantla’s perseverance and potential.

“Nik has shown good potential and has earned this opportunity after impressing in the Second XI. His journey is proof that hard work and patience can lead to success. The coaching from SACA, along with his development at Durham University and the MCC programme, has played a key role in his growth.”

Gorantla’s journey began with Cambridgeshire age-group cricket before he joined the Essex Academy system. His cricketing education continued through university and Second XI opportunities, ultimately culminating in this breakthrough moment.

Dr Tom Brown, SACA Co-founder and Managing Director, expressed pride in Gorantla’s achievement.

“Nik is a shining example of how our programme works. From the moment he debuted for SACA in 2023, it was clear he was a quality cricketer. His commitment and resilience have brought him this richly deserved opportunity.”

Gorantla now joins a Surrey side brimming with experience and will look to learn from senior players and coaches as he begins the next chapter of his cricketing career.

 

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