Milind Kumar, who dominated the Ranji Trophy scoring charts in the 2018-19 season, has been included in the 15 players on the USA squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Milind Kumar will represent the United States in the T20 World Cup in June. (Photo-X)
New Delhi: As USA Cricket announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, several former Indian cricketers have joined the American team in its bid for the World Cup's elite trophy. As many as three Indian cricketers will be playing against the Indian side, led by former Delhi batsman and 2018-19 Ranji Trophy top run-getter Milind Kumar.
Milind scored 1331 runs in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season and earlier played seven seasons for Delhi. He then moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. The Delhi-born player also played in the northeastern states of Sikkim and Tripura on the Indian domestic circuit before relocating to the US. He also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 33-year-old cricketer made his cricket debut in the US in 2021 after being the top run-scorer in Ranji in the 2018-19 season when he was playing for Sikkim. He was traded to the Philadelphians of the minor cricket league.
Not only Milind, there are many players from India on the U.S. World Cup team. For example, Gujarat-born Monank Patel will lead the team in the mega-event co-hosted by the US and West Indies starting June 1.
American representatives Harmeet and Saurabh also
Former Mumbai left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh is also included in the US squad. Born in Mumbai, he played for Rajasthan Royals and Tripura state cricket in 2013 and was part of the Indian team at the 2012 U-19 World Cup. He also made his US cricket debut in 2021, leading the Seattle Thunderbolts in minor league cricket.
Another Mumbai-born pacer, Saurabh Nethrawalkar, played in the 2010 U19 World Cup along with current stars KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat and Mayank Agarwal. However, Unmukt Chand (Captain) and Sumit Patel (Week), both famous Indian players and members of the 2012 U-19 World Cup winning team, could not find a place in the team.
The United States will begin play against Canada in the season opener on June 1 in Dallas. Both teams are in Group A, which also includes India, Pakistan and Ireland.
USA National Team at T20 World Cup 2024
Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones (vc), Andrees Gu, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jesse Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtosh Kenjige, Saurabh Netralvakar, Shadri van Schalkwyk, Stephen Taylor, Shayanjahangir.
Substitute players: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.