From Gujarat to Global Cricket: The Unconventional Paths to the T20 World Cup
In the heart of Gujarat's Charotar region, the aspiration to settle in the United States is a common thread among the Patel community. For Monank Patel, a 32-year-old captain of Team USA, this dream took a unique turn, blending migration with an undying passion for cricket. Growing up in Anand district, Monank represented Gujarat at U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels but faced stiff competition, unable to break into the senior state team. This led him to seek a more stable life in America with his parents in 2013.
Monank Patel: A Natural Talent Thriving in the US
Devang Desai, his childhood coach, describes Monank as a naturally gifted cricketer who required minimal coaching, bringing sincerity and discipline to every endeavor. "Even while running a business in the US, Monank played for cricket leagues in New Jersey every weekend," shares his father Dilip Patel, himself a former cricketer. After fulfilling a three-and-a-half-year residency requirement and competing in local leagues, Monank earned his place in the US national team in 2018. Despite financial challenges and pandemic setbacks, he persevered, achieving his dream of playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "He never gave up," Dilip says proudly, noting Monank's fond memories of playing alongside Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah in his youth.
Ansh Patel: From Indian Dreams to Canadian Reality
At 23, spinner Ansh Patel arrived in India fourteen years ago with a kit bag and a dream to wear the blue jersey and play alongside the best. Hailing from Vadodara, he sharpened his skills in local cricket nurseries and became a serious contender for the Indian squad. However, a 2024 change in BCCI eligibility rules dashed his hopes. Disappointed, Patel moved to Canada, where he worked his way up the ranks. When selected for Canada's T20 World Cup squad, he realized his dream had simply changed colors. "I was thrilled when I learned I'd been picked. This will be my first World Cup," he says. The irony? He now faces the very team he once dreamed of representing. "India is one of the best cricket teams in the world, and we'd like to give them a good fight," Patel adds, expressing excitement about sharing the field with greats like Hardik Pandya, whom he admired during his Vadodara stint.
Harsh Thaker: A Homecoming in Ahmedabad
Harsh Thaker, a 28-year-old all-rounder for Team Canada, moved from Ahmedabad to Canada in 2007 at age nine, carrying his love for cricket with him. Inspired by his father Tushar, a university-level cricketer, Thaker joined the Qasra Cricket Academy in Canada and quickly broke into the Under-15 team. He progressed through the ranks, including the Under-19 World Cup and a warm-up match against India, before earning selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup. An injury three weeks before the tournament sidelined him initially, but now he's set to play. "So, this is the first World Cup I'm actually playing in for Canada," Thaker says. In a twist of fate, Canada's first match is in Ahmedabad, making it a homecoming. "It's like homecoming. It's a dream to play against India and perform well on the field," he shares, with Virat Kohli as his favorite cricketer.
Jiten Ramanandi: From Baroda to Oman's National Squad
Jiten Ramanandi, a 31-year-old all-rounder for Team Oman, once shared the field with Hardik Pandya in Baroda Cricket Association's inter-club tournaments. Now, he faces him as a rival in the T20 World Cup. A native of Navsari district, Ramanandi started playing professionally at 17 and was spotted by former Baroda pacer Rakesh Patel. He played in the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy and was in line for Baroda's U-23 team, but destiny had other plans. In 2019, businessman Chaitanya Khimji offered him a job in Oman, where he played for a company team before being picked for the national squad last year. "Playing for Oman is one of the best decisions I've made. I earn well and get good opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise," says Ramanandi, who comes from a modest background.
Jay and Ashish Odedara: Porbandar's Pride in Oman's Colors
Porbandar, known for Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace and past gang wars, has also produced cricketing talents like Jay Virambhai Odedara, 36, and Ashish Rambhai Odedara, 34. Both honed their skills at Duleep Cricket School under the late Ram Odedra. Jay, an off-spinner, represented Saurashtra at various age levels, while Ashish, an opening batter and left-arm wrist spinner, played up to U-19. After moving to Oman eight to ten years ago, they played for Al Turki Enterprises and earned spots in Oman's national team. "No one knows any cricketer other than Ravindra Jadeja in Saurashtra. We are happy that Jay and Ashish have been included in the Oman national team. They are very good cricketers," says Surendra Amarkotia, who witnessed their journey. Oman faces a challenging Group B with Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, opening against Zimbabwe in Colombo.
These stories highlight the resilience and adaptability of cricketers from Gujarat, who have turned setbacks into opportunities on the global stage, proving that dreams can evolve and thrive in unexpected ways.
