From Bengaluru to the Bay Area: How Sanjay Krishnamurthi is Defining US Cricket Dreams

MLC 2025: From Bengaluru to the Bay Area – How Sanjay Krishnamurthi Found His Cricket Calling in the USA

In recent years, the landscape of cricket has undergone significant transformations, especially in non-traditional cricketing nations like the United States. Among the rising stars illuminating this path is Sanjay Krishnamurthi, a 22-year-old cricketer who has made his mark not only in domestic circles but also on the international stage. Born in Oregon and nurtured in Bengaluru, Sanjay’s journey is both unique and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the future of cricket in America.

A Dream of Playing for India

Growing up, like many kids in India and those of Indian origin, Krishnamurthi dreamt of wearing the Indian jersey. His passion for cricket propelled him to join an academy in Bengaluru where he competed in the age-group circuit and even represented Karnataka’s U-16 team. However, amidst this fervor for the game, he faced the pragmatic reality of immense competition and his status as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, which limited his eligibility for the Indian national team.

“From the moment I started playing cricket in India, the goal was to play for India. But I think I was also realistic. That it could happen,” he reflected, highlighting the tough competition he faced.

The Shift to Major League Cricket

Sanjay’s turning point arrived in 2019 when he earned American citizenship. This new status opened doors that had previously seemed closed. A trial with Major League Cricket (MLC) followed, marking the beginning of his professional career in the USA. Initially, the plan was for a three-week stay, but the COVID-19 pandemic extended his involvement, making him a key figure in the burgeoning cricket scene in America.

However, the changes were not without hurdles. Due to a rule change, OCI cardholders became ineligible to play for Karnataka. This made it clear to Krishnamurthi that his aspirations of playing for India would remain unfulfilled, as the process of relinquishing his US citizenship to chase that dream would be lengthy and complicated. “So yeah, I think that door is shut,” he stated, confirming his focus turned towards making a name in the USA.

Balancing Education and Cricket

Currently a computer science student at San Jose State University, Krishnamurthi’s commitment extends beyond the cricket pitch. Balancing full-time education and a professional sports career is no small task, particularly in a country where cricket is still not a collegiate sport.

“It’s weird being a high-level athlete at a university, but I don’t play for the university,” he noted, drawing a contrast to the privileges enjoyed by athletes in more mainstream sports like water polo and American football.

With limited infrastructure for cricket at the collegiate level, he emphasized the need for cricket to be introduced at high schools, which could potentially ignite a greater interest in the sport across the country.

The Growing Cricket Scene in the USA

Despite the challenges, there is an undeniable buzz surrounding cricket in the USA. Krishnamurthi pointed out that major investments are being made into professional cricket, focusing heavily on attracting foreign players. He believes the key to the sport’s evolution lies in developing homegrown talent.

“The model of professional cricket is where they’re putting all the resources into. What we want is more players who are born and brought up in the US to be able to make it through the ranks,” he explained, outlining a vision for the future of American cricket.

Playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC has provided Sanjay with invaluable experience. Sharing a dressing room with cricket legends like Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch has been a highlight, offering him a benchmark to measure his own development.

“To test myself against these guys… it gave me a lot of confidence,” he remarked, reflecting on how this experience has fueled his ambitions.

Excitement for MLC 2024

Looking ahead, the buzz is palpable as the MLC 2024 season approaches. The San Francisco Unicorns will kick off their campaign against the reigning champions, the Washington Freedom, at the iconic Oakland Coliseum. For Krishnamurthi, this game holds special significance as he prepares to have family and friends in the stands.

“I am so excited, having friends and family being able to come. It will be special. Even if the Oakland Coliseum wasn’t my home ground, it would still be super exciting because it is the biggest stadium in the MLC,” he enthused, highlighting the growing popularity of the league within a community that boasts a significant South Asian population.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As Sanjay Krishnamurthi continues to make waves in the American cricketing landscape, his journey serves as an inspiring tale for young athletes everywhere. With a blend of hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities, the future looks bright for cricket in the USA. The potential for growth is immense, and as more cricketers like Sanjay step onto the international stage, the dream of cricket becoming a mainstream sport in America inches closer to reality.