USA cricket named a 14-man-squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier which will be held in Antigua from November 7th to 14th. USA also announced a new captain for the T20I format as Monank Patel is set to take over the leadership duties from Saurabh Netravakar. Saurabh Netravakar, who has played in Ranji Trophy for Mumbai in the past, will remain USA’s captain in the ODI format. Aaron Jones has retained his Vice-captain’s role in the T20 format.
Appointed Monank Patel as Saurabh Netravakar requested to step down from captaincy duties: Chief Selector Michael Voss
Chair of the Men’s National Selection Panel, Michael Voss revealed that it was Saurabh Netravakar’s decision to step down as T20I captain as he wanted to focus more on his bowling in the shortest format of the game. However, Netravalkar’s captaincy was on the edge as US lost eight out of their last nine World Cup League 2 ODIs. Under his leadership, USA failed to qualify for the T20 WC Global Qualifier after losing to Canada and Bermuda at the ICC Americas Qualifiers.
On the other hand, a bunch of cricket betting tips would be to back Monank Patel given the form he has been in. The newly appointed T20I skipper, who hails from Gujarat, is a mainstay for United States in the 50-over format. Monank was USA’s top performer in Oman as he scored 238 runs at an average of 59.5, recovering from a horrid tour of Nepal in 2020.
Speaking of other changes, USA have recalled Ali Khan, Ian Holland and Rusty Theron who were unable to travel with the ODI squad to Oman last month. Ali Khan has made a name for himself by playing various leagues around the world. Rusty Theron, who is originally from South Africa, has represented Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Ian Holland is a bowling all-rounder who has played for Hampshire in county cricket.
Team: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones (vc), Ali Khan, Elmore Hutchinson, Gajanand Singh, Ian Holland, Jaskaran Malhotra, Karima Gore, Nisarg Patel, Rusty Theron, Saurabh Netravalkar, Steven Taylor, Trinson Carmichael, Xavier Marshall
Cricket facing a brain drain to USA
Over the years, many cricketers from various countries have changed their base to the USA to find more opportunities. USA, which is currently an associate nation, is trying to develop cricket among the Americans and has welcomed these players with open arms. USA has eased down the rules for eligibility as now a player has to stay in the USA for 30 consecutive months in order to become eligible to play for the USA.
Cricketers who have moved to the USA include former record holder of the fastest ODI hundred Corey Anderson, Pakistan’s Sami Aslam, India’s Under 19 World Cup winning skipper Unmukt Chand and his team-mate Harmeet Singh and T20 World Cup winner Umar Akmal.
Minor League Cricket (MiLC) and Major Cricket League (MCL) have provided opportunities to these players who failed to make a long lasting impact in their country. The players are also provided a sizable contract for playing these leagues.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Monank Patel appointed as USA’s new T20I captain.
- Ali Khan, Ian Holland and Rusty Theron recalled to the T20I side.
- Saurabh Netravakar decided to step down from T20I but to remain the ODI skipper
