In a poignant twist of fate, Monank Patel will captain the United States cricket team against the nation of his birth, defending champions India, in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash on February 7. The match, set at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, marks a significant milestone for the USA skipper and the growing cricket landscape in America.
From Anand to America: A Captain's Journey
Monank Patel, originally from Anand in Gujarat, moved to the United States in 2016 after obtaining a green card. Appointed captain in 2021, he expresses immense excitement about the upcoming fixture. "I am very excited because we will be playing against the defending champions at an iconic venue," Patel stated. He views this as a massive opportunity for his team to showcase their talent on the global stage, affirming that the squad has prepared well and is confident after playing together for a considerable period.
His cricketing foundation was firmly laid in India. Patel played for Gujarat across various age-group levels—Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19—for 12 years. Notably, he shared the field with current Indian stars Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel during their under-19 days. He credits Gujarat for teaching him the basics and his father, a wicketkeeper-batter himself, as his first coach. "I will always be grateful to the state for shaping my journey," he emotionally added.
Building USA Cricket: Milestones and Infrastructure
Under Monank's leadership, USA cricket has achieved historic feats. He cites the victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 and a series win against Bangladesh as pivotal confidence-boosting moments for the team. The skipper emphasizes the importance of off-field camaraderie, noting that knowing his teammates well makes leadership easier.
Since his debut for the USA in 2019, Patel has witnessed a remarkable transformation in American cricket infrastructure. "Cricket infrastructure and opportunities here are way better now," he observed. He highlighted the increase from scarce local tournaments to six to seven high-quality annual competitions featuring international players. The presence of three or four good stadiums and respectable player salaries signal the sport's growth. With cricket included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Patel anticipates a surge in new American fans, further accelerating development.
Struggle, Adaptation, and a New Home
The path to representing the USA was not straightforward. Patel had to wait about three and a half years to become eligible after moving. During this period, weekend cricket alone wasn't sufficient to make a living. He gained practical experience by working at his uncle's liquor store and gas station. Later, he ran a restaurant with a family member for 15 months before relocating to New Jersey for his mother's cancer treatment.
His big break came after scoring a century in trials, leading to national team selection. Adapting to American playing conditions, particularly the different wickets and outfields compared to India, required a few months of adjustment. Patel also credits his participation in the Major League Cricket (MLC) and guidance from former South African star Mark Boucher for significantly honing his batting skills.
As the USA team prepares with a camp in Sri Lanka before heading to India, Monank Patel stands at the crossroads of his past and present—a Gujarati boy ready to lead his adopted nation against the cricketing giants he once dreamed of joining.
