In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the spotlight on a heartwarming trend in international cricket: Indian-origin players dominating lineups for multiple nations ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking on Sunday, PM Modi delved into the joy of watching these athletes. ‘Sports connects us all,’ he began. Imagine cheering for a player whose surname screams Indian heritage, donned in a foreign kit. That fleeting thrill of recognition is real, as these stars represent countries where their families have settled, giving their all on the pitch.
Canada leads with its powerhouse of Indian talent. Skipper Dilpreet Bajwa, born in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, leads a team featuring Chandigarh’s Navneet Dhaliwal, alongside Harsh Thakur and Shreyas Movva. They’re not just playing; they’re ambassadors of excellence.
Across the Atlantic, USA’s squad is laced with Indian domestic stalwarts. Captain Monank Patel’s Gujarat youth experience shines through. Saurabh from Mumbai, Harmeet Singh, and Delhi’s Milind Kumar are key pillars, transforming American cricket with their skills.
Oman benefits too, with ex-Indian state players like Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jay, and Ashish bolstering defenses. Teams from New Zealand, UAE, and even Italy showcase similar talents carving niches abroad.
PM Modi encapsulated their impact: Indians maintain deep ties to their motherland while fueling progress in their workplaces. These cricketers embody resilience, motivating youngsters everywhere. As T20 fervor builds, their journeys remind us of cricket’s power to unite diverse worlds, blending heritage with new horizons.