Karnataka spinner Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige makes it to USA’s T20 World Cup squad

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige had always dreamt of playing for the Indian team. However, the 33-year-old had always found it tough to do so. Fate has taken a different turn for the spinner, as according to reports, he has been selected for the USA’s T20 cricket team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Nosthush made his debut for the USA in 2019, hailing from Kenjige village located in Mudigere taluka of Chikkamagaluru district, and has played club cricket in Bengaluru.

In a recent conversation, Kenjige came forward to talk about how he went to the USA for work but continued to play in local matches. In those matches, he managed to impress the scouts and was eventually picked for the USA's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

The spinner impressed the scouts at the trial hubs of the team, even making a mark in the open matches and the selection trials. However, despite his excellent showings, he had to wait another three years before he could don the USA's colours, as, despite being a US citizen, he had not stayed in the country for four years. 

“When I left for the US, I thought I was done with cricket. I went there to work, though I did play in local matches,” Kenjige told The Times of India recently. 

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“Unlike in India, where a national cricketer just focuses on his game, here in the US we are juggling our work-life with cricket. Once I was picked for the camp, I had to complete 100 days of community service to become an eligible player. This involves coaching players, playing matches and taking up different kinds of activities,” Kenjige told the Deccan Herald. 

It is worth noting that the USA will begin their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign by taking on Canada in the tournament opener. Both sides will face off at Grand Prairie Stadium on June 1. The side will be part of Group A in the competition, which will also include the likes of Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, and India.