Gujarat’s Nisarg will play World Cup with American team: He said- Playing with Team India is like a dream for us, but it is T-20, anything can happen

Gujarat’s Nisarg Patel will be seen playing for America in the T20 World Cup starting on June 2. He was selected in the American team last week.

Nisarg says- ‘I always wanted to play for India. Now playing against a big team like India is like a dream.’

Nisarg was born in Ahmedabad. He played cricket in India till high school and then settled in America with his family. After watching cricket there, he picked up the bat again and became a part-time cricketer along with a full-time medical researcher. Nisarg spoke to Dainik Bhaskar about his journey and preparations for the World Cup.

Before reading this conversation, take a look at Nisarg’s career…

Now the questions and answers…

Question- Every youth dreams of playing for Team India. Did you make a career in America?

Nature- I also wanted to represent the Indian team. Many times I felt like playing cricket in India. As a cricketer, I would say that we should accept the opportunity wherever we get it. We should not let that opportunity go. That is why I thought it best to play for America.

Question- How did you start your cricket career? Did you go to America only to play cricket?
Nature- My cricket career started in India. I played in India till high school. In 2003, my family settled in America. Then I wanted to study further while staying with my family. When I saw cricket there, I started practising with my friends. I got acquainted with everyone and then I started playing cricket regularly.

Question: How has been the journey till here in your cricket journey?
Nature- I have also played semi-professional cricket in Britain for many years. I started my international career with the US team. In 2006, the Under-19 World Cup was held in Sri Lanka. I played for the US in that. Then I shifted to England. Where I started playing semi-professional cricket and completed my college studies. After that I again shifted to the US. Right now, I have been playing with the US senior team for the last 5-6 years.

Question- There is a match with the Indian team in the World Cup. Any special strategy for Kohli and Rohit?
Nature- At present, no strategy has been made for Rohit and Virat. We will discuss with the team and prepare a plan for them. It is like a dream for us that we will get a chance to play with such great Indian batsmen and players in the World Cup in our own home. There can be no bigger dream for me than this. I hope our team will perform well and give a good fight. We can also win, because upsets are possible in T20 cricket.

Question- You are a bowling all-rounder, whom do you consider your ideal?
Nature- Ravindra Jadeja is my favorite player. He has the ability to finish the match and is also a good fielder. I have learned a lot from him by watching him on TV. Where does he bowl to the batsman during bowling, how does he trap the batsman in his net.

Till date I have not had the chance to meet him, but now I will get a chance to meet him in the World Cup. I would like to talk to him for at least 10 minutes about my game. I also like MS Dhoni a lot, but he has retired from international cricket.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the ones I would like to meet. Playing and interacting with the Indian players will be special for the squad.

Question: How do you manage cricket and work?
Nature- Papa has a garment business in Britain. I am a full-time medical researcher. It is difficult to manage cricket and work. Even when we are on tour, I work online.

Question: What has been the contribution of India and other Asian countries to American cricket?
Nature- Players from many countries live in America. These include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies. Everyone contributed to promoting cricket in America. The team also has players from many countries. New Zealand’s Corey Anderson is in the team, who has also played IPL. Players who have played first class cricket in West Indies and South Africa are also in the team.

Question- The next Olympics is in America and T20 cricket has been included. So did you get to host the World Cup as well?
Nature- The youngsters here will also be attracted towards cricket. Olympics are to be held in Los Angeles, USA in the year 2028. In such a situation, it is expected that cricket will grow a lot here in these 4 years.

Question- The group includes Canada, Ireland, Pakistan and India. How far do you see America’s journey?
Nature- We have defeated Canada and Ireland earlier as well. Matches against India and Pakistan will definitely be challenging for us. Both are full time members of ICC and get a lot of opportunities. Associate countries like America or Canada do not get much exposure. Our team is very good. This is T-20 and anything is possible here.