In cricket-crazy Mumbai, Major League Baseball (MLB) stars and Indian cricketers traded their familiar bats and balls for baseball equipment, showcasing their power-hitting skills at the Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri Sports Complex, on Saturday.
India’s T20 World Cup-winning , who represented the New York Yankees, believes baseball has a bright future in the country.
“Having won two titles [T20 Asia Cup and T20 World Cup] as captain already, I wanted to make sure I won the third [final against Los Angeles Dodgers] as well. Batting first, putting runs on the board and winning is my style. I think MLB has a great future in India,” Suryakumar said on Saturday.
Suryakumar, who scored six points in the semi-final against the Boston Red Sox and smashed 14 points in the title clash, was joined by MLB legend and left-hander Nick Swisher and Rachel Garcia, while the Dodgers fielded Adrian Gonzalez, Jitesh Sharma and Jordan Wollery.
Chasing 76 points for victory, the Dodgers needed 25 in the final two minutes, with India’s hard-hitting T20 wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh at the crease. However, he managed just 11 points in the remaining time.
India all-rounder , who represented the Chicago Cubs, was excited about his baseball experience.
“It’s not easy to keep hitting. The techniques are a little bit different. The baseball players were really kind to teach us, to discuss with us, and to let us know about their sport. This was a completely new and exciting experience,” Thakur told mid-day on Saturday.