Former Mumbai cricketer Harmeet Singh is set for an emotionally charged homecoming at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, but this time he will be wearing the colors of the United States of America. The 33-year-old left-arm spinner will represent the USA in their opening T20 World Cup match against India, marking a poignant return to the ground where he once showcased his talent for Mumbai.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Redemption
Harmeet Singh's cricketing journey has been anything but conventional. Once hailed as a promising talent by Australian legend Ian Chappell, his career in India was marred by controversies that threatened to derail his aspirations. From spot-fixing allegations—later cleared by the BCCI—to an incident involving driving a car onto a railway platform in Andheri in 2017, Harmeet faced numerous challenges that tested his resilience.
Frustrated by what he describes as "favouritism and selection politics" in Indian cricket, Harmeet made the life-altering decision to move to the United States over six years ago. This choice, while offering a fresh start professionally, came at a profound personal cost that continues to shape his perspective today.
The Personal Toll of Professional Pursuits
The transition to representing the USA has been bittersweet for Harmeet Singh. Last year, he lost his father, a real estate agent, to a heart attack. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced the heartbreaking reality of being unable to attend his mother's funeral, watching the final rites through a phone screen from thousands of miles away.
"I'm looking forward to the game on Saturday, but this time my father won't be there at the ground," Harmeet shared with The Indian Express. "He used to come to see me play in Mumbai. I don't have my parents any more but I'll have my sister and our extended family to cheer me on. How proud my parents would have felt if they were here."
This experience reflects what Harmeet describes as the migrant's dilemma—the difficult trade-off between pursuing better opportunities abroad and being present for family during crucial moments. "When you go out and try to make a living, you get away from your family and friends," he reflected. "My parents were suffering and I was aware but still helpless."
From Mumbai Maidan to International Arena
Harmeet Singh's cricketing roots run deep in Mumbai's local circuit. He trained at Swami Vivekanand High School in Borivali alongside current Indian allrounder Shardul Thakur and Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad. Recently, he revisited his alma mater and donated Rs 10 lakh to coach Dinesh Lad's foundation, which provides free training to young cricketers.
"When we used to play, someone else was paying our bills," Harmeet explained. "I never paid my school fees—someone was there helping. God has given me a position now where I can make a small contribution. Sir can help produce future cricketers."
His connections to Indian cricket extend beyond Mumbai. At the Under-19 level, he played alongside current stars Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Samson was even his roommate during their time with the Rajasthan Royals, highlighting the intertwined paths of these cricketers who have taken different routes to the international stage.
Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge
Harmeet's last appearance at Wankhede Stadium came during the 2014-15 season when he claimed six wickets against Karnataka. Now, nearly a decade later, he returns with renewed purpose and confidence in the USA team's capabilities.
The USA squad features two other former Mumbai players—Saurabh Netravalkar and Shubham Ranjane—creating a familiar core within the team. With a largely Indian-origin squad and the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, Harmeet believes an upset against India is within reach.
"Wankhede is at the top of the list for high-scoring matches," Harmeet noted. "Everybody is prepared. We have more visuals of them (the Indian team); they have less of us. Our batting is very strong. If we bat well, we will put up a good show against India."
A New Chapter in an Unconventional Career
Since making his USA debut in August 2024 after obtaining a work permit, Harmeet Singh has embraced his role as an international cricketer representing a growing cricketing nation. He participated in the 2024 T20 World Cup and now returns to the global stage with greater experience and perspective.
The emotional weight of his journey isn't lost on Harmeet, who acknowledges how his personal struggles have shaped his approach to the game. "I'm introverted in terms of expressing my emotions, but that helps me in cricket—I can express on the ground," he revealed, suggesting that his reserved nature off the field translates to focused performance during matches.
As Harmeet Singh prepares to step onto the Wankhede pitch in USA colors, his story transcends typical sports narratives. It's a tale of second chances, cultural identity, and the complex realities of pursuing dreams across borders. His journey from Mumbai's local grounds to representing the USA on cricket's biggest stage serves as a testament to resilience in the face of both professional setbacks and personal tragedy.
