From Dayanand Sagar College in Bengaluru to US national cricket team: Tracing Nosthush Kenjige's journey!

In 2013, 22-year-old Nosthush Kenjige was an aspiring cricketer in Bengaluru, struggling to achieve his dream. Despite rigorous training at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC), he couldn't break into the state cricket ecosystem. Heartbroken, Kenjige, a US citizen by birth, returned to America with a degree in biotechnology from Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering.

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Back in the US, Kenjige's passion for cricket remained dormant while he worked in medical equipment inspection in New York. However, his cricket aspirations were reignited when he joined Columbia Cricket Club in New York. This marked the beginning of his resurgence in the sport.

Kenjige’s return to the US proved pivotal for his career. Rising through the ranks, he earned a central contract with the USA national team and joined MI New York in Major League Cricket. His left-arm spin quickly made an impact, taking six wickets with an impressive economy rate of 5.76, including the notable dismissal of Martin Guptill.

A significant turning point in Kenjige’s career came when former West Indies player Dwayne Bravo noticed his talent at the US Open T20 tournament. This recognition propelled him into higher levels of competition. To qualify for the USA team, Kenjige completed 800 hours of community service, which included teaching young cricketers. His national debut came in 2019 against UAE, and since then, he has played 40 ODIs and seven T20Is.

Kenjige's recent performance against Pakistan, where he took key wickets, showcased his growth and resilience. His journey from the cricket nets of Bengaluru to the international stage highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities.