Ranjane, Ugarkar Get Maiden USA Cricket Call-Ups

Former Rajasthan Royals Allrounder Joins USA Squad

Former Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai allrounder Shubham Ranjane has been rewarded with his first-ever call-up to the USA national cricket team after completing his residency requirements. A standout performer in American white-ball cricket, Ranjane’s explosive batting and dependable medium pace made his inclusion an easy choice for selectors following three impressive years in the domestic circuit.

Rushil Ugarkar Also Receives First USA Selection

Joining Ranjane in the national fold is Rushil Ugarkar, the MI New York pace sensation and the final-over hero of the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) final. Ugarkar’s nerve in high-pressure moments earned him widespread acclaim, and his consistent performances have finally paved the way for an international debut.

Ranjane’s Rapid Rise Through American Cricket

At 31 years old, Ranjane’s cricketing journey has been a story of persistence and resurgence. After moving to the United States midway through the 2022 MiLC season, he made an immediate impact by guiding the Seattle Thunderbolts to the championship with his all-round brilliance. His remarkable performances in domestic leagues have also led to lucrative SA20 and ILT20 contracts later this year, marking a swift upward trajectory in his career.

Draft Shock to Dominance with Texas Super Kings

In a surprising twist, Ranjane was released by the Seattle Orcas ahead of MLC 2024. However, fortune favored him when the Texas Super Kings selected him as their No.1 draft pick, a decision he fully justified. Batting in the middle order, he struck two match-defining half-centuries, averaged 67, and maintained a stunning strike rate of 160, showcasing his value as a game-changer.

Ugarkar’s Rise to the Spotlight

The 22-year-old Ugarkar had long been on the selectors’ radar, but his breakout season with MI New York sealed the deal. Entrusted with bowling at the death, he showcased nerves of steel, particularly in the MLC final, where he defended 12 runs off the last over against Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips — one of the most gripping finales in the tournament’s history.

Veteran Faces Left Out of Squad

Meanwhile, Aaron Jones and Shadley van Schalkwyk have been omitted from the latest squad. Van Schalkwyk’s exclusion at 37 was expected, given the emergence of younger options like Ranjane. However, Jones’ absence comes as a surprise, considering his long-standing role as vice-captain and his record as one of USA’s most reliable batters.

A Shift in Batting Dynamics

Since his debut in 2018, Aaron Jones has accumulated 1,664 ODI runs in 52 matches, second only to captain Monank Patel in USA’s all-time charts. But with form fading — just one fifty in his last nine innings at an average of 23 — and a new generation of batting talent pushing through, the selectors have opted for a strategic transition.

USA Cricket Faces Off-Field Turmoil

As the USA prepares for their upcoming ICC WCL 2 campaign against Nepal on Sunday, the focus on-field contrasts with the turmoil off it. The national setup continues to operate under a cloud of administrative uncertainty, with USA Cricket suspended by the ICC and ongoing legal disputes involving Major League Cricket (MLC) drawing attention away from sporting matters.

USA Squad for Nepal Series

Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh (vc), Saurabh Netravalkar, Rushil Ugarkar, Nosthush Kenjige, Milind Kumar, Smit Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Juanoy Drysdale, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shubham Ranjane, Andries Gous.

About the Author

Sorit Chaudhary

Author

View All Posts