The USA cricket team, having gained recognition after their previous T20 World Cup performance, is set to face world No. 1 India in their opening match on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium.
Vice-captain Jasdeep Singh stated that the USA team no longer considers itself underdogs, viewing India as ‘just another opponent’ this time around.
As they embark on their campaign, the USA team aims to build on their previous success, where they reached the Super Eight stage. Jasdeep Singh emphasized the team’s growth and determination to make a significant impact on the world stage, showcasing their ambition to elevate US cricket.
Team Confidence and Strategy
Jasdeep Singh expressed confidence in the team’s development since the last World Cup, stating, ‘We are a far better team than in 2024. We were pretty new on the scene, but this time surely we are not the underdogs and teams are counting on us.’ He highlighted the team’s goal to make a mark and put US cricket on the global map.
Jasdeep Singh’s Journey
Born in the US and having spent part of his childhood in India, Jasdeep’s passion for cricket was ignited by the sport’s community in New Jersey. ‘When I started pursuing this dream, cricket was nowhere in the United States,’ he recalled. His father’s friends played cricket on driveways, and this environment nurtured his early interest in the game.
Path to Representation
Jasdeep’s journey to representing the USA began when he learned about the U19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2010. He reflected, ‘That moment ignited the fire in me that I can be one of these guys one day.’ He compared the experience of representing an Associate nation to that of a full member nation, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by players from the USA.
Facing India’s Batting Line-up
As the team prepares to face a formidable Indian batting line-up, Jasdeep emphasized his fearless approach to the game. ‘I play fearless and have a big heart; then only I do well. I like to soak up the pressure and take on the challenges,’ he explained, underscoring the importance of confidence in high-stakes matches.
Future of Cricket in the USA
Looking ahead, Jasdeep expressed hope that the return of cricket in the LA28 Games will catalyze grassroots development in the United States. He stated, ‘We are hoping and certain that the US Olympics can fill in the gaps we are talking about for the last decade or so,’ aiming to introduce cricket at school and university levels.