Each week we’ll be asking a prominent cricket person a series of six questions. Get to know your fellow cricket lovers better, and catch up on what these people are doing in cricket all over the country and the world.
Anand Tummala is an ex-US representative and current head coach of the National #TeamUSA women’s side. Anand also played First-class cricket in India (Ranji Trophy) for Delhi in 2001–02 and has also played Premier league cricket in South Wales, UK.
Anand is passionately devoted to cricket in this country, which is reflected in his answers to the #SixHitter questions below.
1. Tell us how you got involved in Cricket, what’s your role/association now?
I played u19, university & first class cricket for Delhi. Moved over to U.K. and pursued playing & coaching (L1 & L2) whilst doing my Masters there. Moved to USA in 2007 & Played for USA men’s national cricket team in 2011. Got my level 3 coaching accreditation from Cricket Australia in 2013-2014. Have been involved with Coach Education programs (L1 & L2) as Educator in USA since 2013. Assistant coach for USA men’s national cricket team in 2016. Currently, Coach for USA Women’s national cricket team since 2016 & member of USA Coach Education team working closely with US Olympic Committee and Cricket Australia.
2. Describe yourself in three words
Personable, hard-working, dedicated
3. What is your earliest cricket memory?
Watching Wills trophy match at Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi when I was 8 or may be 9 years old.
4. What is your favorite cricket moment of all time?
Playing for USA & Delhi
5. What is the one development you would like to see in domestic cricket, and in international cricket?
Domestic – Cricket in Schools while building a better Pathway & infrastructure for youth cricketers & coaches coming through the ranks.
International – Champions trophy sort of Tournament for associates who do not get to play ICC Division tournaments often… for both Men & Women as applicable.
6. Where do see cricket in the USA in 10 years’ time?
Making very good progress overall:
– Respective national teams doing consistently well at international level; good sponsors & fan base.
– Cricket becoming a sport for all Americans & having well-structured inter school & university competitions.
– Zonal academies providing good pathway to young talent.
– USA’s own professional premier league
– Cricket scholarships for university students
– Improved infrastructure & matured coach development program
– Cricket being reintroduced in the 2028 LA Olympics & USA (men’s & women’s) teams raring to go!!
