Netravalkar represented India in U19 WC 2010 (x.com)

The forthcoming edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a spectacle unlike any other, with 20 teams vying for cricket’s ultimate prize on June 29 in Barbados. This event is set to unite cricketing talents from across the globe, showcasing the sport’s diversity and passion on a grand stage.

Amidst the anticipation, one of the most intriguing storylines to emerge is the potential clash between players of Indian origin representing other nations and the Indian cricket team itself. 

As one of the front-runners to win the T20 World Cup, India have been placed in Group A alongside teams like Ireland, host USA, Canada, and arch-rivals Pakistan. While there are no Indian-origin players in the Ireland or Pakistan squads, several players of Indian origin are part of the USA and Canada cricket teams.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the standout Indian-origin players who could pose a challenge to Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Saurabh Netravalkar (USA)

Netravalkar is USA’s lead quick for T20 WC 2024 (x.com)

Saurabh Netravalkar was part of the India U-19 squad in 2010 alongside players like KL Rahul and Jaydev Unadkat. He has represented Mumbai in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, but despite his domestic success, he never came close to earning a spot in the Indian senior team. 

Eventually, he shifted his focus to representing the USA and made his debut for the team in 2018. Since then, Netravalkar has played 27 T20Is for the USA, showcasing his bowling prowess by taking 27 wickets. 

As a key player for the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, the left-arm quick is someone to watch out for from the Indian team’s perspective.

Monank Patel (USA)

Monank Patel is set to lead USA in T20 WC 2024 (x.com)

Monank Patel, born in Gujarat, India, began his cricket journey representing Gujarat at the U-16 and U-18 levels. However, in 2016, he switched his allegiance to the United States and settled in New Jersey. 

Since then, Monank has emerged as a crucial player for his team and currently serves as its captain. 

Harmeet Singh (USA)

Harmeet Singh played a key role in USA’s triumph over BAN (x.com)

Another member of India’s victorious U-19 World Cup squad, Harmeet Singh played domestic cricket for Mumbai and Tripura before relocating to Seattle in 2021 for the USA’s Minor League matches. 

He made his international debut for the USA in March 2024 in a pre-T20 World Cup series against Canada. Recently, Harmeet delivered an impressive performance against Bangladesh, securing a remarkable win for the USA. 

Besides his batting prowess, Harmeet is a handy left-arm spinner, particularly effective during the middle overs.

Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada)

Dilpreet Bajwa (x.com)

Dilpreet Bajwa’s family moved to Canada in 2020 after he was not selected for the state team. In 2023, he participated in the Global T20 Canada, representing the Montreal Tigers, which paved the way for his international debut against Bermuda later that year. 

In his four T20I matches, Bajwa has accumulated 92 runs with a batting average of 30.66, including a top score of 52. Bajwa’s performances, including a half-century, suggest he could be a key contributor in the match against India.

Ravinderpal Singh (Canada)

Ravinderpal Singh (x.com)

Ravinderpal Singh, after his family relocated to Canada early in his career, made his T20I debut in 2019 against the Cayman Islands. 

With 589 runs in 29 T20I appearances, the right-handed batter has displayed his batting prowess, boasting a highest score of 101 and an impressive batting average of 28.04, along with a remarkable strike rate of 147.25. 

These statistics highlight his ability to make a significant impact in the shortest format of the game and pose a serious challenge to Indian bowlers.