Former Mumbai all-rounder Harmeet Singh believes his journey has come full circle, but as the USA gear up to face India in their T20 World Cup opener on Saturday, he is clear that reputation alone will not decide the contest. The USA all-rounder has urged his side to play fearless cricket without placing any opponent “on a pedestal”.
The USA will open their campaign against co-hosts India, returning to familiar territory for Harmeet, who once represented Mumbai on the Indian domestic circuit. Drawing confidence from their memorable run in the previous edition, where they stunned Pakistan and reached the Super Eight, Harmeet said the team is keen to replicate the same brand of cricket.
“India are a formidable side, no doubt. But the brand of cricket we played last time, we want to showcase that again,” Harmeet told PTI in an exclusive interview. “We don’t want to put any team on a pedestal. In T20 cricket, you can’t play with names alone — you have to perform every day.”
The USA have once again been placed in a challenging group alongside India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. Harmeet stressed that the shortest format offers little room for complacency.
“T20 is a format where things can change very quickly. Two bad overs can alter the game completely. If we start well on a good day, anything can happen,” he said.
Harmeet, who featured in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad in 2012, moved to the United States in early 2020 and has since become a key figure in the national side. Saturday’s clash will see him return to the Wankhede Stadium, a venue filled with memories from his formative years.
“Born and raised in Mumbai, playing at the Wankhede brings everything back,” the 33-year-old said. “USA has given me opportunities I was searching for earlier. I’m enjoying my time here and I’m excited for this game. Hopefully, I can make the most of it.”
He also reflected on facing former teammates now representing India. “There are batch-mates of mine playing for India, and now I’m playing against them. It really feels like life has come full circle.”
Harmeet added that the USA have enjoyed an encouraging build-up to the tournament, aided by exposure to franchise cricket and intensive preparation camps.
“The build-up has been great. Many of us were playing franchise cricket before coming into camp. We had a three-week camp in Sri Lanka and have been here for almost a week now. We’ve trained well together and are ready to give it a proper go,” he said.
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The USA squad also features fellow Mumbai products Shubham Ranjane and Saurabh Netravalkar, both set to take the field against India at the iconic venue.
“Playing at the Wankhede is always special. It holds a lot of memories for us,” Ranjane said. “Representing USA is prestigious and a proud feeling. We’re just looking forward to being present and trying to win this game.”
Ranjane, who has previously shared the dressing room with India captain Suryakumar Yadav, said the contest carries an added emotional layer.
“We’ve played together in the past, and now we’re playing against each other. There’s always something to learn from him as a player and as a person. It’s a different feeling, but it’s going to be fun,” he said.
Confident in the depth of his side, Ranjane believes the USA possess the talent to challenge established teams.
“Collectively, we have a lot of talent. Our players have played cricket all over the world, and we’re ready to display that on the big stage,” he added.
