Several cricket players with connections to India have turned their backs on their homeland, settling in the USA and representing the American national cricket team. These cricketers, some of whom have played competitive cricket in India, are now integral members of the USA team currently participating in a triangular T20 series in the Netherlands. Alongside the USA and the Netherlands, the third team in this series is Canada. This article highlights five cricketers who have made the transition from India to the USA, detailing their journeys and contributions to American cricket.
The Five Indian-Origin Cricketers Representing the USA
| Name | Birthplace | Reason for Moving | Current Role in USA Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monank Patel | Anand, Gujarat | Relocation for better opportunities | Wicketkeeper-batsman, Captain |
| Harmeet Singh | Mumbai | Lack of opportunities in India | Pace Bowler |
| Abhishek Paradkar | Hyderabad | Career prospects in the USA | Pace Bowler |
| Utkarsh Srivastava | Pune | Family relocation to the USA | All-rounder |
| Jasdeep Singh | New York | Family’s return to the USA | Pace Bowler |
Monank Patel
Born in 1993 in Anand, Gujarat, Monank Patel moved to the USA in 2010. After settling in New Jersey and starting a restaurant, he emerged as a key figure in American cricket. Currently serving as the wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of the USA team, Monank leads the squad in the ongoing triangular T20 series in the Netherlands. Before relocating, he represented Gujarat in under-16 and under-18 cricket.
Harmeet Singh
Another prominent player is Harmeet Singh, who was born in Mumbai. He has become a leading figure in the USA pace attack, participating in the triangular T20 series in the Netherlands. Having been a junior to Indian star Rohit Sharma in school, Harmeet chose to move to the USA in search of better opportunities, especially after winning the under-19 World Cup in India in 2012.
Abhishek Paradkar
Abhishek Paradkar, who played age-group cricket representing Hyderabad, has also established himself as a fast bowler for the USA. He is currently featuring in the triangular T20 series, proudly showcasing his skills on an international platform.
Utkarsh Srivastava
Born in Pune and hailing from the Hussain Ganj area of Lucknow, Utkarsh Srivastava is making his mark as an all-rounder in the USA’s senior team. His journey to the USA began in 2016 when his father, a software engineer, relocated to America, taking Utkarsh along with him. He has previously played under-19 cricket for the USA.
Jasdeep Singh
Jasdeep Singh, who was born in New York, also represents the USA as a fast bowler in the triangular T20 series taking place in the Netherlands. Although his family returned to India when he was three, they moved back to the USA when Jasdeep was thirteen, allowing him to pursue his cricketing dreams in America.
These five cricketers exemplify the diverse journeys athletes can embark on when they seek opportunities beyond their home countries. Their experiences reflect the growing prominence of cricket in the USA and the increasing number of talented players who can now represent the country on the international stage.
