Monank Patel's Path: From Chinese Restaurant owner to leading USA cricket team

Rising star Monank Patel’s cricketing journey can serve as an inspiration for many. His story accentuates his hard work and perseverance, attributes that have helped him become part of (United States of America) USA cricket‘s folklore.

Co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024 edition, USA, started their campaign with a win against their neighbours, Canada. USA chased down 195 in their T20 World Cup debut but Monank could only score a run-a-ball 16. However, in their second game against 2022 finalists Pakistan, Monank showed his class and scored a gritty 50 off 38 balls to help his team get their second win on the trot.

Born in Anand, Gujarat, Monank couldn’t make it big in the Under-19 circuit in India. In 2014, he moved to New Jersey, USA in search of greener pastures. A couple of years later, Monank ventured into the restaurant business and opened a Chinese restaurant called- ‘Teriyaki Madness’.

The 31-year-old wouldn’t have envisaged back then that he would lead USA to two consecutive wins in the nation’s first-ever T20 World Cup appearance. However, he would have manifested it for sure.

Also Read: ‘We should have never gone to Super Over’ – USA skipper Monank Patel on historic win against Pakistan in T20 World Cup

A closer look at Monank Patel’s numbers for USA

The right-handed batter made his T20I debut against the UAE in March 2019. One month later, he debuted in ODI cricket against Papua New Guinea. Monank Patel has played 47 ODIs so far and scored 1,446 runs at an average of 32.86 and has a strike rate of 78.76. He has registered 10 half-centuries and two tons, including a highest of 130 against Oman in 2022. In the shortest format of the game, Monank has amassed 507 runs in 27 matches, averaging 23.05 and striking at 129.67. The half-century against Pakistan was his third in T20I cricket.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Harmeet Singh reveals USA’s plan against India

Monank Patel is also an agile wicketkeeper, who is renowned for his sharp reflexes and anticipation. He has taken 35 catches and effected 14 stumpings so far in his international career. Team USA are currently placed at the top of Group A and are a strong contender for a spot in the Super Eight stage.