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USA Cricket U19 women's team is fully desi

One X user reacted to the squad as the “H-1B squad”, referencing the popular US work visa associated with Indian professionals.

Every player selected, including the reserves, is of Indian-American descent. / USA Cricket

USA Cricket on Dec.20, 2024, announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, and it has caught the attention of the online community. 

Every player selected, including the reserves, is of Indian-American descent. 

The announcement comes as the USA gears up for its second consecutive appearance at the World Cup, having qualified from the Americas region. The squad was selected after a competitive week-long training camp in Florida, where the 26-member training squad showcased their skills. The team is looking to build on its experience from the 2023 World Cup and has a strong mix of youth and experience.

This remarkable lineup will be led by Anika Kolan as captain and Aditiba Chudasama as vice-captain. Both players bring valuable experience, having represented the USA in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.

Anika Kolan, a right-hand wicketkeeper/batter from the United States, will continue her captaincy. A right-hand wicketkeeper-batter, she has represented the San Ramon Cricket Academy and Major League Cricket Academy in domestic competitions. A graduate of the USA’s cricketing pathways, Kolan is driven by the immense support of her family, particularly her parents and brother, who have played a pivotal role in her journey to international cricket. Her leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for its second consecutive appearance at the World Cup after qualifying from the Americas region.

Aditiba Chudasama, an off-spin bowler from South Brunswick, New Jersey, will take on the role of vice-captain. Affectionately known as “Ba”, Chudasama is an off-spin bowler from South Brunswick, New Jersey. Inspired by the unifying power of cricket, particularly during the 2015 World Cup, Chudasama’s growing passion for the sport has seen her become a regular fixture in the squad. Her favorite players, including Virat Kohli and Laura Wolvaardt, continue to motivate her as she looks to make an impact on the world stage.

Other players in the squad include Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Disha Dhingra, Isani Mahesh Vaghela, Ritu Priya Singh, Lekha Hanumant Shetty, Maahi Madhavan, Nikhar Pinku Doshi, Pooja Ganesh, Pooja Shah, Saanvi Immadi, Sasha Vallabhaneni and Suhani Thadani. Non-Travelling Reserves, Mitali Patwardhan, Taranum Chopra and Varshita Jambula

Several of these players, including Disha Dhingra and Isani Vaghela, have become regulars on the senior national team, demonstrating the depth and strength of the squad.

The squad’s preparation included a tour to the West Indies earlier last year, where the team played a five-match series against the West Indies U19 team. The USA won two matches, including a dominant seven-wicket victory in the final match, with one game abandoned due to rain. This experience, combined with their performances in previous national tournaments, has positioned the team well for the World Cup.

Hilton Moreeng, the head coach for USA Cricket Women, expressed confidence in the team’s progress, saying, “We are thrilled with the progress the players have made, especially after the West Indies tour. The experience gained there will undoubtedly help us in the World Cup. Our focus is on playing fearless cricket and showcasing the growth of USA women’s cricket on the global stage.”

As the team prepares to tour South Africa for a camp and warm-up fixtures against Cricket South Africa’s U19 Women’s team, they are eager to build on their debut campaign in the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Mini India in US team

The squad’s mix of experienced players and fresh talent sets the stage for a promising tournament.

The announcement, however, has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.

Some users joked, “Isn’t this the Indian under 19 team ,” while others humorously commented, “Indians took their job in the tech sector, now in sports also,” and “This is more like India B team.” One user even referred to the squad as the “H-1B squad,” referencing the popular US work visa associated with Indian professionals. Another sarcastically remarked, “It must be hard choosing from many countries.” 

Despite the playful banter, USA Cricket is hopeful that the team’s performance will speak for itself as they aim to make their mark at the World Cup.



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