
Sat Feb 07 15:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Indian Diaspora Fuels U.S. Cricket Team’s Performance in T20 World Cup
The Story:
The recent T20 World Cup match between India and the United States saw the heavily favored Indian team struggle to secure a victory against a determined U.S. squad. What makes this match particularly noteworthy is the significant presence of Indian and Indian-origin players within the American team. The article highlights several key players who have either played domestic cricket in India or have familial connections to the country, demonstrating the influence of the Indian diaspora on the burgeoning American cricket scene.
Key Points:
- Sai Teja Mukkamalla: A Telugu player whose father hails from Andhra Pradesh, trained at VVS Laxman Academy in Hyderabad.
- Milind Kumar: Formerly played domestic cricket in India and was part of the Delhi Daredevils IPL team.
- Shubham Ranjane: Represented Maharashtra in domestic cricket for four years before moving to the U.S.
- Monank Patel: The current U.S. captain, represented Gujarat at the Under-19 level.
- Harmeet Singh and Saurabh Netravalkar: Both hail from Mumbai.
- Sanjay Krishnamurthi: Grew up in the US, but played Under-16 cricket for Karnataka.
- The remaining four players in the squad who played the match include players who migrated from Pakistan and South Africa.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. cricket team heavily relies on talent with roots in cricket-playing nations like India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
- Opportunities for aspiring cricketers in the U.S. are growing, attracting players who may not have found success in their home countries.
- The Indian diaspora is playing a crucial role in developing cricket in the United States.
- The close match between India and the USA highlights the increasing competitiveness of cricket outside traditional powerhouses.
- The composition of the US team suggests that cricket’s global reach is expanding and evolving.