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.
First up in the series is the American cricketing legend that is Sushilkumar Suhas “Sushil” Nadkarni. A left-handed batsman and off spin bowler, he first played for the United States national cricket team in 2006 and is one of the most prolific batsmen in the history of USA Cricket. Here’s his #SixHitter with six questions on him and American cricket.
1. Tell us how you got involved in Cricket, what’s your role/association now?
I fell in love with cricket when I first held a bat in my hand and played with my mates in our garage at probably 8 years old. Started getting coached at age 13 then played representative cricket for U16 and U19 state teams in India. Went on to play for Indian U19 team and a short stint in first class cricket before migrating to USA.
Played on Team USA from 2006 to 2014. Post retirement in 2014 I’m spending time as a coach for youth in USA helping kids learn and enjoy the game. Also working with ICC Americas in advisory roles to help USA teams advance in world cricket arena.
2. Describe yourself in three words
Honest, Competitive, Team-player
3. What is your earliest cricket memory?
Playing cricket in the streets of Mumbai with my mates
4. What is your favorite cricket moment of all time?
Receiving word that I had been selected to represent India U19 on the tour to Australia (1995/96)
5. What is the one development you would like to see in domestic cricket, and in international cricket?
Domestic – national tournaments for youth and adults including 2/3 day games;
International – World Cup for associate countries
6. Where do see cricket in the USA in 10 years’ time?
I see cricket as one of the main stream sports in USA along with Baseball, Football, Soccer etc. and many American boys and girls playing the sport. I see cricket included in the Olympics and young children finding their role models and heroes in the USA National team.
