NEW DELHI: Ahmedabad-born left-arm spinner
Nisarg Patel
is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn from the wealth of experience possessed by his Indian counterparts, particularly the seasoned all-rounder
Ravindra Jadeja
and the prolific run-scorer
Virat Kohli
, during the sidelines of their
T20 World Cup
clash in New York on June 12.
Having completed his schooling in India before relocating to the United States in 2003, Nisarg Patel is among a select group of semi-professional cricketers chosen to represent the co-hosts in the upcoming
ICC
event commencing on June 1.
Despite his cricketing commitments, the 36-year-old has also pursued academic excellence, holding a master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences and maintaining a full-time role with a medical research company.
The USA's inaugural appearance in the T20 World Cup adds an extra layer of significance to their clash against Canada on June 1. However, it is the prospect of facing his country of birth that ignites Nisarg's excitement and anticipation, as he prepares to showcase his skills on the global stage against a formidable opponent.
As Nisarg Patel gears up to fulfill his dream of representing the United States in the T20 World Cup, his encounter with India presents a unique opportunity for personal growth and learning, as he seeks to draw inspiration and insights from some of the finest talents in the cricketing world.
"Being born in India, having lived here and having roots here, playing against our heroes we have watched over the years. We can't wait to be honest," Nisarg, who also bats lower down the order, told PTI. He is currently training for the mega event in Ahmedabad.
India have two left-arm spinners in the squad in Jadeja and Axar Patel and Nisarg hopes to spend some valuable time with the more experienced all-rounder before they face-off in New York.
"I would love spend time with Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja who plays the same role that I do for my team, Obviously he is much more experienced.
"I would ask Virat the run machine, how do you do it? Especially when it comes to chasing and Jadeja simple stuff like how he prepares for batting, bowling and fielding.
"What sort of thought process he has when he bowls to an attacking batsman, does he try to punch his wickets or he just tries to control and buy wickets that way, so just trying to pick small little things," said Nisarg, who has featured in 41 ODIs and 20 T20s.
Cricket will only grow in USA if American kids see a career in our sport
It will be the first time a major cricketing event is taking place in USA and considering the sport is part of Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, it will be interesting to how the locals respond to the sport they know very little about.
It is mainly the South Asian and Caribbean community that is driving the game in the country. Major League Cricket last year was another major event in the sport's journey in the region.
"A lot of good things are happening, major league and minor league cricket but that needs to change a little bit. It has only been a year for the major league. I would personally like to see U19 or U21 cricketers get a mandatory spot in the playing eleven.
"I would also like to see USA contract players in the playing eleven which gives those players the opportunity to play with and against the bigger names.
"If they don't get that opportunity it doesn't help anybody. How much can you learn while sitting in the dugout?
What is the best way to grow the game in USA?
"It has to be a mixture of both. If the South Asian and Caribbean population doesn't play then the American community doesn't get a chance to experience the game.
"Ultimately what needs to change in USA is that an American kid in a high school needs to see a future in the game. There are so many sports in America, the country is built on Olympic medals. For cricket to succeed, we need to show them there is a career out of playing cricket.
'Our first goal is to reach super 8'
Nisarg said his team is confident of pulling off a few upsets in the tournament.
"The first goal being an underdog is to qualify for the Super 8. In our group we have Canada, and we are confident of beating them, we have beaten Ireland before, and India and Pakistan. We all know Pakistan is a very good team but it is also team that other sides can upset.
"India come in with a lot of experience but they are coming to play in conditions they are not used to. As you said anyone can beat anyone in a T20 game."
(With PTI inputs)
English (US) ·