Interview/ Monank Patel, captain, USA men’s cricket team
Growing up playing gully cricket in Anand, Gujarat, Monank Patel would never have thought that he would lead a national team from across the globe. Now the captain of Team USA, the 31-year-old is on the cusp of history, as his team has defeated the mighty Pakistan and looks set for a place in the Super 8. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ How are Americans reacting to cricket now that you have beaten a former world champion?
A/ People were not so aware earlier, but now their interest in the game is growing and it is very exciting.
Q/ Is it mostly South Asian expats, or are mainstream Americans also taking interest?
A/ I do not have an exact answer, but whoever I am seeing are mostly Asian and Caribbean people. And because of those guys, their friends and colleagues who are American-born are also taking part.
Q/ Like many immigrants, you once opened a restaurant, called Teriyaki Madness. Do you think you will revisit that interest some day?
A/ My passion has always been cricket. When I came here, for three-four years, I could not play cricket. But when I became eligible to play for the US, I went into the selection process and started playing. I got a second chance to play cricket at a different level.
Q/ You must have played with some of the current Indian cricketers in your junior days?
A/ Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah.
Q/ What does it mean to represent the US against your country of birth?
A/ Obviously, for me, my passion for cricket is more than anything. So, for me, that comes first, and representing the country where I live right now―it is a bright moment for me. I am proud that I have played with India [and its] superstars.
Q/ Do you think that the cricket and baseball comparison is fair? Which do you think is tougher?
A/ Actually, cricket is tougher. In baseball, you make one mistake and you still have a chance to come back and play. In cricket, you are done.
Q/ What response is Major League Cricket getting and do you think it has a future?
A/ This is a big exposure for cricketers and it is going to be a big thing. It has already been successful in the first season, and we are really looking forward to playing our second season. We (MI New York) are the defending champions.
Q/ If you make it to the Super 8, what would it mean for cricket in the US?
A/ Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, and [playing] with the likes of India and Pakistan, you are seeing the growth, and it is growing very, very fast. With every game we play, there is more buzz.
Q/ You lost your mother to cancer. She was the inspiration for you to persist with cricket.
A/ Ever since I started my journey, she was always supportive. Her last words to me were to play hard and work hard.
Q/ It must be rewarding for your father to actually see you on the field.
A/ He is very happy and I feel happy watching him smile and being satisfied with the play.
Q/ What would you want cricket fans in India to know about you?
A/ That I am a cricket lover and I am passionate about the game and want to do a lot of things for USA and to help cricket grow in America. That is why I started to play.
Lavina Melwani is a New York-based journalist who blogs at Lassi with Lavina.
