New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Shubham Ranjane is set to step onto familiar ground at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, albeit in unfamiliar colours. The 31-year-old, who once showcased his talent in domestic cricket for Mumbai, is poised to make his T20I debut—not for India, but for the United States of America—on the opening day of the Men's T20 World Cup.

For Ranjane, this is a golden opportunity to face the team he once dreamed of representing at the very venue that shaped his cricketing journey. "When the World Cup schedule was released, I discovered that India and Sri Lanka were co-hosting it. But upon seeing the fixtures, I realized that India was in the same group as us and we would be playing at Wankhede – it was a goosebump moment for me.

“I felt nervous reliving the many memories I have at Wankhede from my years playing for Mumbai. It’s a historic stadium, and competing there is a tremendous honour," Ranjane shared in an exclusive chat with IANS.

For Ranjane, Wankhede is more than merely a venue; it represents the foundation of his cricketing identity, built through hard work in Mumbai’s competitive circuit. Walking back onto this iconic ground as a USA player feels surreal. "I envisioned this moment after learning that our first game would be against India at this venue. I manifested it, and I’m filled with excitement—it feels like I’m playing on home turf," he added.

Making the move from India to the USA in mid-2022 was no simple decision for Ranjane, who had previously secured an IPL contract with the Rajasthan Royals in 2019. The prospect of higher accolades and the chance to play alongside prominent figures persuaded him to take this bold step.

His family had always aspired for him to become a third-generation Indian player—his grandfather Vasant played seven Tests between 1958 and 1964, and his father Subhash represented India at Under-19 and A levels as well as for Maharashtra. Ranjane’s family now takes immense pride in witnessing him as an international cricketer.

"Being a third-generation cricketer, with both of them having worn the Indian colours, it was a family dream for me to do the same. But when they heard my name in the USA squad, they were delighted. They never considered that I wouldn’t be an international player, and now I’m on that stage," he said.

Relocating to the USA was a leap of faith for Ranjane, who left without knowing if his career would flourish or falter. While he had thrived in Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem, the infrastructure in the USA was still developing.

"Leaving Mumbai was a tough choice, having played there for so long. Just packing two suitcases and heading into the unknown felt like starting from scratch," he reflected.

“Moving to the USA and contemplating a cricket career there was daunting, as cricket wasn’t popular then, though the sport is growing swiftly now. I followed my instincts and made the decision, saying, ‘I have to move on.’

“It was an emotional moment, but it required growth, acceptance of new challenges, and moving forward—making that decision was significant. Now, being eligible to play for the USA in the World Cup and earning recognition in the team for an ICC event is a source of pride,” he elaborated.

Ranjane faced immediate challenges; in Mumbai, a single phone call sufficed to arrange practice partners or access facilities. In the USA, however, the situation was drastically different. “You create opportunities for yourself and your game. I carried a plastic ball and cover patch when I moved here.

“I used to order equipment from India because accessing it in America was not straightforward, but things are changing. I carried heavy balls from India for my preparation.

“In India, practice partners were just a call away, but in America, it was tough to find that support because of the country's size and cricket's limited popularity,” he noted.

Weather differences also posed new challenges for Ranjane, who quickly made an impression by helping the Seattle Thunderbolts clinch the MiLC title. "We play cricket in the rain in India, but here, when it rains, people often stay indoors.

“If I wanted to practice in the rain, I would use plastic and rubber balls, which were quite helpful in enhancing my skills,” he stated.

A call from USA captain Monank Patel last year confirmed Ranjane’s international debut in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 ODI match against Nepal in Dubai. The moment was overwhelming for Ranjane, marking his arrival in international cricket after navigating the American landscape.

"When Monank called to say I needed to be ready, I was ecstatic. Looking back at 2022, I never envisaged moving for this reason. But when the squad was announced, I felt immense pride and joy, knowing my dream of becoming an international player was finally coming true.

“I knew I had to show up, do my job, and make an impact for the first time I received my cap—creating memories that would last a lifetime,” he expressed.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of USA’s clash against India will be facing Suryakumar Yadav, the current Indian T20I captain and his long-time teammate from Mumbai. The friendly banter they once shared will now unfold in a competitive atmosphere.

"I’ve played under his captaincy for many years, and it’s going to feel different. We still share banter. When we played together, we had a friendly rivalry against opponents; now we will be rivals. It’s going to be intense and exciting,” he added.

Back in Mumbai, Ranjane's friends and family are faced with a dilemma about whom to support. "There are numerous ticket requests, and the first question is, whom will you cheer for? It’s a tricky situation, but they are excited to see the game. For them, it’s like cheering for the same guys at Wankhede, just in different colours,” he remarked.

Ranjane's progress has also been boosted by exposure to global franchise cricket, including stints with the Texas Super Kings and Jo’burg Super Kings—the USA and South Africa branches of Chennai Super Kings. According to Cricket-21 statistics, since 2025, Ranjane has established himself as a dynamic finisher, boasting a strike rate of 142 while batting at positions four to seven.

During this period, he scored 426 runs in 18 innings, averaging 38.7, including three half-centuries against formidable bowling attacks across SA20, MLC, and BPL. His right-arm seam-up bowling complements his batting, offering a valuable fifth or sixth bowling option when conditions require it.

“This experience has significantly enhanced my development as a player. It’s all about being the best version of myself on the field, and I’ve learned from players like Faf du Plessis. Just being around them and understanding their perspectives has boosted my confidence,” he stated.

“Confidence is crucial for me; with it, anything is achievable, and I can deliver whenever needed. I work hard, but doing the right things and following the right path is vital. Gaining the trust and support of others is paramount. When you earn that trust, you become a formidable player and can play more fearlessly,” he added.

Prior to arriving in Mumbai, the USA team honed their preparations with an extended camp in Sri Lanka, designed to replicate Indian conditions and enhance fitness levels. They will also partake in two warm-up matches in Navi Mumbai—a location close to Ranjane’s heart, having represented the DY Patil side for over a decade.

For him, the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup transcends personal achievements; it’s about advancing USA cricket and inspiring future generations of American players. "When the USA qualified for the Super Eights in 2024 and faced India and Pakistan, it was a proud moment. It’s significant to have the platform to showcase your talent against such countries and perform—an essential breakthrough for any player,” he noted.

“This had a tremendous impact on our domestic players. If you wish to represent your country and play in the World Cup, facing the strongest teams raises the competition level immensely,” he added.

As February 7 approaches, Ranjane’s focus remains clear—embrace the moment and seize every opportunity. “It’s all about taking advantage of opportunities. I’m eager for this chance. Success lies in staying present, refining my skills, and trusting in the process,” he concluded.

The wisdom shared by his father and grandfather has also guided his mindset. “Growing up, I aspired to be a good human and player. I never witnessed my grandfather in action, but he advised me to believe in myself, work hard, maintain a positive mindset, and smile every day while doing my job. Those simple words resonate with me.

“Living in the moment and following my instincts is what my father emphasized. Whatever your heart tells you, pursue it—right or wrong, we’ll tackle the consequences later. Don’t let hesitation or regret impede your decisions,” he remarked.

Three years ago, Ranjane made the difficult choice to leave everything behind in Mumbai and restart in a country where cricket was relatively unknown. On February 9, he will return to the Wankhede Stadium—this time donning USA colours—against familiar adversaries like Suryakumar and Shivam Dube.

For Ranjane, the journey has come full circle, but the real challenge lies ahead: performing on the grandest stage, in his hometown, against the nation he once yearned to represent.