Indian-Origin Jason Sangha is Captain of Australia in ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Five Cricketers With Indian Roots Who Played for Other Countries
These were few players handpicked by us to feature in this article on Indian-origin cricketers.
At the end of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 final on February 3, an Indian will be holding the coveted world championships trophy. No, Prithvi Shaw-led India is playing against Australia and not themselves but what makes us say the trophy will go to an Indian has to do with the Aussie captain, Jason Sangha. The batting all-rounder born as Jason Jaskirat Singh Sangha became the first Indian-origin captain to lead Australia U-19 side in the World Cup tournament. The 18-year-old born in Randwick, New South Wales is originally from a Punjabi Sikh family. Jason joins the list of famous cricketers with Indian roots who played for other countries. Here’s a look at few of them.
1. Arjun Nair (Country Played For: Australia)
Jason Sangha is not the only Indian-born prodigy in Australia’s young team. 19-year-old Arjun Nair born to Malayali parents father Jayanand Nair and mother Shalini Nair is another name that is making a huge buzz with his talent. He got massive recognition on his Twenty20 debut for Sydney Thunder in the 2016–17 Big Bash League season. In 2016, the off-spinning all-rounder became the first Malayali to play for the Australia U-19 team. Arjun will now look forward to cement a place in the main team.
2. Hashim Amla (Country Played For: South Africa)
The lynchpin of the South African batting line-up, Hashim Amla’s roots go back to Gujarati family. His grandparents were born in India before they headed off to the African nation. Amla who is one of the classiest cricketers of the current generation, however, downplays his Indian connection. On one occasion, he was quoted saying, “My grandparents came from India, but I am South African.” Amla admitted he found it ‘bit strange’ when people question him about his roots. He added, “ Other players whose parents or grandparents came from overseas are never asked how they feel when they play against England.” Well made point.
3. Nasser Hussain (Country Played For: England)
The former England captain remains the poster boy of players of Indian-origin to represent other nations. Nasser was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to Indian father Raza Jawad 'Joe' Hussain and English mother named Patricia Price later changed to Shireen. Their family moved to England when he was merely six years old. The 49-year-old made his limited-overs debut in ODI series against Pakistan in 1989 and Test debut a year later in 1990. Hussain captained English team in 45 Test matches. Post-retirement from the sport in 2003-04, he turned into a commentator and enjoying great success in it.
4. Monty Panesar (Country Played For: England)
Born in Punjabi Sikh family, Monty Panesar made his big Test debut against India in 2006. Must have been an ironical and a magical moment for the left-arm spinner who quickly grabbed attention from both fans and media with his personality. Panesar became popular in the cricketing world for sporting black, a smaller version of Sikh turban and his slow bowling action. He was last seen in an international series in 2013-14 against Australia though not announced anything on retirement.
5. Ravi Bopara (Country Played For: England)
Another Indian-origin cricketer who featured in English batting line-up is Ravi Bopara. The 32-year-old was born in a Sikh family in 1985 in Forest Gate, London. Bopara's parents migrated to England in the 1970s. His paternal grandparents lived in Phagwara, city 140 kilometres from Punjab capital, Chandigarh. The batting all-rounder who played for Kings XI Punjab side during Indian Premier League 2010 has been all praises and love for his ‘home’ country.
These were few players handpicked by us to feature in this article on Indian-origin cricketers. However, the list is extensive with West Indies batting great Shivnarine Chanderpaul to Jeetan Patel playing for New Zealand cricket team. It is always exciting and tricky as an Indian cricket fan to watch these sportspersons play against India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2018 10:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).