Milind Kumar, a former Delhi batter and top run-getter in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, has earned a spot in the United States of America’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1. The United States, which will co-host the event with the West Indies, has unveiled its 15-member squad, which will be led by Monank Patel, a Gujarat native.
Kumar, a right-handed batter, amassed 1,331 runs during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season while representing Sikkim. He had previously played for Delhi for seven seasons before relocating to the United States in search of greater opportunities. The 33-year-old has also represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
Joining Kumar in the USA squad is former Mumbai left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh. The 31-year-old Mumbai native represented India during the 2012 U-19 World Cup and has also played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as well as Tripura in domestic cricket. He made his US cricket debut in 2021, leading the Seattle Thunderbolts in Minor League Cricket.
Another Mumbai-born player, Saurabh Nethravalkar, a pacer, also made the squad. Nethravalkar was part of India’s 2010 U-19 World Cup squad, which included future Indian stars KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat, and Mayank Agarwal.
Despite their notable careers, two well-known Indian cricketers, Unmukt Chand (the captain of the 2012 U-19 World Cup-winning team) and Smit Patel (a wicketkeeper), were not selected for the squad.
Another notable inclusion in the squad is Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand all-rounder who played for the Black Caps in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. Anderson moved to the United States in 2023 and made his debut for the team last month in a T20I match against Canada.
The squad also includes Pakistan-born pacer Ali Khan, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020.
In the T20 World Cup, the United States will face their neighbors Canada on the opening day of the tournament. They will also be grouped alongside India, Pakistan, and Ireland in Group A.
