United States Vs India: More Than A T20 World Cup 2024 Clash, USA Vs IND Is Mumbai Reunion After Decades

New York: On Wednesday, it might be T20 World Cup 2024 game between India and United States, instead a reunion of several Mumbai boys who once played for the state side in the BCCI domestic circuit. After a decade from that day in 2009, Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian team while Harmeet Singh is a part of the USA squad. The story dates back to a Ranji Trophy game at the Bandra Kurla Complex when Mumbai was playing Himachal Pradesh 15 years back.

A 17-year-old left-arm spinner back then, Harmeet was making his first-class debut for Mumbai in that game. For the next 11 years, Harmeet played 31 first-class games for Mumbai, taking 87 wickets before switching to the United States in 2020. He made his USA debut earlier this year, marking a new chapter in his cricketing career.

“Ajit Agarkar was fielding at mid-on; he used to play very tough cricket. I was bowling, had taken two wickets on debut, was getting a bit of turn, and was in the middle of the spell,” Harmeet recalled as quoted by HT. “Captain Wasim bhai (Jaffer) hadn’t kept a short midwicket for me. I dropped one short after a couple of overs and was hit for four. From midwicket, Ajit told me: “Harmeet, I’m going this time to fetch the ball; next time if you drop short and he hits a four, you will only have to get the ball.”

While Agarkar is currently the BCCI chief selector, Jaffer retired from the game and became a cricket pundit. “After two-three overs, I again dropped short and got smashed for four. Ajit looked at me and said: “Chal jaa ball leka aa (go fetch the ball)”.

I started running after the ball. Imagine (the embarrassment), running after the ball after bowling it. I had covered half the ground when I heard Rohit Sharma’s voice behind me, “Paaji, ruk (You wait)”. Rohit had come running from his position and he got the ball. He was also young in the team,” said Harmeet.

Rohit’s friendship with Harmeet dates back to their school days. In fact the current Indian captain was a senior to Harmeet at the Swami Vivekanand School in Borivali. To add more to that, both Harmeet and Rohit was coached by Dinesh Lad. Unlike Rohit, Harmeet didn’t get much opportunities at the senior level.

“In that debut Ranji game, I took seven wickets and helped Mumbai win after conceding the first innings lead,” said Harmeet. For the unknown, Harmeet was also a part of India’s 2012 U-19 World Cup winning team under Unmukt Chand.

“I have played with a lot of them, all those from Mumbai — Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube – then Sanju (Samson), Kuldeep (Yadav). Axar (Patel) and I were in the India U-19 team. They all know my journey. I have played with Rahul bhai (Dravid) also in Rajasthan Royals. He knows me from my younger days at NCA. It will be great to catch up, have a conversation,” said the spinner.

Besides Rohit and Harmeet, it will also be a reunion another Mumbai pair of Suryakumar Yadav and Saurabh Netravalkar. The duo played together in 2013 Ranji Trophy.