Maybe it's god's wish I play for USA: Timil Patel

Former India U-19 player Timil Patel used to dream of playing for senior national team like his contemporaries Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Ambati Rayudu and Parthiv Patel. He may not have achieved what he aspired for, but today he is leading an international side.

Twenty nine year old Patel was named captain of the USA national cricket team in the prestigious Auty Cup against Canada that began from Thursday. In the first match, he led from the front with a four-wicket haul to bundle out Canada for 228 on Day One.

The leg-spinner and a handy batsman was a permanent fixture in the Gujarat Ranji Trophy squad till 2010 before he decided to migrate to the United States with his family. He tried his luck in club cricket there and was good enough to become a permanent member of the US, an associate member of the International Cricket Council where he made his debut in 2012.

He took time out on Thursday to talk to dna from Canada and expressed his happiness to lead the side. “It’s an honour to lead USA and I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity,” he said.

Although he represented India U-19 in the 2002 tour of England, Patel could not make it to the senior side while his some of his teammates made it. “My dream has always been to play for the country. I wasn’t lucky enough to make it to the senior team, but I have no regrets,” said Patel.

He added, “I feel it was god’s wish that I play for the USA instead of India.
Everything happens for a reason. All I can do is work hard and give my best every time I play and leave everything else to god.” 

With limited opportunities at the highest level for US, Patel, who idolises Rahul Dravid and Shane Warne, hasn’t set himself any goals. “As far as cricketing goals are concerned I haven’t set any. But I make sure I stay fit and work hard on my cricket skills and everything should take care of itself,” he added.

Former India all-rounder Robin Singh, the US coach, said he had faith in Timil’s ability and expects him to deliver. “I expect the US team to be very competitive and give a really good account of ourselves. I am hopeful of some great performances from our captain Timil Patel,” Singh told a cricket website.

Patel got the captaincy a day before of the Auty Cup after regular skipper Steven Taylor violated the USA Cricket Association (USACA) tour protocol.

His Gujarat teammate and friend Parthiv was happy for him. “He is a hard working cricketer and a great team man. He did not get opportunity here hence, he went there and I am sure he will do well for the country that he is playing for,” said Parthiv.