Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the platform of Mann Ki Baat’s 131st edition to laud the phenomenal contributions of Indian-origin cricketers in the T20 World Cup landscape. Delivered on a crisp Sunday from New Delhi, his words resonated with sports enthusiasts tracking global matches.
‘Playing brings out the best in us, and sports binds humanity,’ PM Modi observed. He shared how viewers often pause on players evoking Indian nostalgia—familiar names under unfamiliar flags. These individuals, with families rooted abroad, don their national colors proudly, embodying unwavering commitment.
Diving into specifics, Canada’s team stands out with the most such players. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa’s Gurdaspur origins pair with Navneet Dhaliwal’s Chandigarh background. Harsh Thakur and Shreyas Movva complete a lineup that’s a nod to Indo-Canadian synergy.
The United States draws from India’s rich domestic pool. Monank Patel, Gujarat’s former youth captain, leads alongside Mumbai duo Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh, plus Delhi’s Milind Kumar. Their presence elevates US cricket dramatically.
Oman’s strength lies in imports like Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jay, and Ashish, all seasoned in Indian leagues. New Zealand, UAE, and Italy mirror this trend, with Indian talents securing spots and inspiring locals.
This phenomenon, PM Modi noted, defines Indian ethos: eternal links to ancestry amid dedicated service to adopted lands. These cricketers serve as beacons, proving that true excellence transcends borders. As the T20 World Cup approaches, their narratives fuel excitement, highlighting migration’s positive imprint on global sports.