Nikhil Gorantla Signs with Surrey CCC – Becomes SACA’s 13th Graduate

We’re thrilled to announce that Nikhil Gorantla has signed his first professional contract with Surrey County Cricket Club, becoming the 13th graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) men's programme.

His signing is a significant milestone — not only for Nikhil but for the values SACA represents: perseverance, representation, and talent thriving when given the right opportunity.

Early Promise and Essex Academy Success

In 2020 Nikhil was selected for the Essex Academy, where he quickly developed a reputation as a technically sound and mentally strong top-order batter. In his final year with the Academy, he delivered two performances that highlighted his readiness for the professional game: a century against Hampshire 2nd XI and an outstanding double hundred against Yorkshire 2nd XI.

Despite these accomplishments, a professional contract at Essex didn’t materialise. For many young players, that moment might signal the end of the road. For Nikhil, it became the motivation to keep pushing forward.

University Cricket and Joining SACA

Nikhil moved north to begin his studies at Durham University, where he was a central figure in the university’s UCCE programme. His hunger to progress in the game remained strong, and it wasn’t long before he joined SACA — eager to take advantage of a system that would back his long-term development and create new opportunities.

His first appearance for SACA came against Kent 2nd XI, and he made an immediate impression.

“On the very first ball he faced in the game against Kent 2nd XI, he back-foot punched Matt Quinn for four with such ease and elegance, we all just looked at each other — we knew we had a player,”— Dr. Tom Brown, Founder & MD, South Asian Cricket Academy

Standout Performances and National Recognition

Shortly after, Nikhil struck a brilliant 118 for Northumberland CCC against Durham’s 1st XI in the ECB National Counties showcase fixture — underlining his ability to perform against top-level opposition.

Recognising his quality, SACA worked with Warwickshire CCC to secure Nikhil a long-term trial. Over an 18-month period, he scored three centuries for the county’s 2nd XI, becoming a dependable and respected player within their ranks. However, with Warwickshire opting to sign fellow SACA batters Vansh Jani and Zen Malik, a contract didn’t materialise for Nikhil at that time.

Despite the setback, Nikhil remained focused. He finished the 2024 season with Leicestershire CCC, scoring 97 not out in their final red-ball fixture — another example of his ability to perform under pressure.

Backing It Up Again and Again

Throughout this period, Nikhil remained an integral part of SACA. His innings of 148 vs Northamptonshire 2nd XI for SACA further reinforced his consistency across formats and opposition levels.

In early 2025, SACA nominated Nikhil for a short-term opportunity with the MCC Young Cricketers pilot programme, where he joined other SACA players including Daz Ahmed, Shaariq Sheikh, Waqas Khan, Manraj Johal, and Haider Zaidi. While it was a brief stint, Nikhil made the most of it — scoring a commanding 160 against Yorkshire and impressing with his professionalism and maturity.

Former England international and MCC YCs Head Coach Graeme Swann was impressed by Nikhil’s performances and passed on a glowing recommendation to Surrey’s Director of Cricket Alec Stewart.

Surrey See the Potential

Following those conversations, Alec Stewart reached out to SACA Founder Dr. Tom Brown to discuss Nikhil’s potential. A trial was arranged, and Nikhil joined Surrey 2nd XI for a block of T20 matches.

In typically composed fashion, he made an immediate impact — including a standout 54 off 27 balls, displaying the kind of intent, touch, and clarity required in modern white-ball cricket.

Those performances, combined with Nikhil’s exceptional body of work over the past few years, led Surrey CCC to offer him a professional contract through the 2026 season.

At 23 years old, Nikhil has earned his place in one of the most competitive squads in the country — a club known for producing international cricketers and competing at the top of the county game.

A Testament to Patience and Perseverance

The Bigger Picture

Nikhil’s journey is one shared by many talented players who fall through the cracks of the traditional pathway. His story reflects the mission at the heart of SACA: to identify, develop, and champion players from underrepresented backgrounds — giving them the platform to thrive.

His story also shows how even the top professional teams are look outside their own talent pathways for those who might have missed out or developed later.

Looking Ahead

Nikhil now joins a growing list of SACA graduates making waves in the professional game, and we have no doubt that his cricketing story is only just beginning. With his experience, intelligence, and technical excellence, he’s well-placed to succeed in all formats.

We’ll continue to support him from the sidelines and look forward to seeing him walk out in Surrey colours very soon.

Congratulations, Nik — we’re incredibly proud