Explained: Why USA cricketers' parents sang Indian National Anthem during U-19 WC clash vs India

The national anthem ceremony ahead of the India versus USA clash at the Under-19 World Cup 2026 offered a uniquely moving spectacle on January 15. As the notes of 'Jana Gana Mana' echoed through the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the Indian team’s recitation was joined by an unexpected chorus: the parents of the American players. Despite being draped in USA flags, many families were seen singing along to the Indian anthem with deep familiarity.

USA Players’ Parents sing Indian National Anthem during U19 WC clash

This scene was a direct reflection of the roster’s heritage, as every player on the current USA national team was either born in India or is of Indian descent. This demographic trend mirrors the senior USA squad, led by Gujarat-born Monank Patel, which famously includes several former Indian domestic players who moved abroad in search of better professional opportunities. In the case of the Under-19 team, most players are the children of families who migrated to the United States years ago.

ALSO READ: ICC commits major goof up on Virat Kohli's no.1 ODI ranking, mends it after fans' outrage

The influence of the South Asian diaspora is a defining characteristic of this year's tournament. According to The Indian Express, roughly one-third of the players across all 16 competing teams share South-East Asian heritage, with the vast majority having ancestral roots in India. Given this widespread representation, similar moments of shared cultural identity are expected to occur throughout the remainder of the World Cup as India faces other international sides.

India notches robust win over USA in campaign opener

India launched their Under-19 World Cup campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory, driven by a relentless bowling display led by Henil Patel. After winning the toss and opting to bowl under overcast skies, India capitalized on the favorable conditions immediately. Patel set the tone in his opening over by dismissing Amrinder Gill, followed quickly by Deepesh Devendran removing Sahil Garg, leaving the USA struggling at 29 for two within the first nine overs.

ALSO READ: Harleen Doel breaks silence on being retired out after guiding UP Warriorz to a dominating win vs Mumbai Indians

The pressure intensified when Henil delivered a devastating double-wicket over, claiming the scalp of USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck and shortly after removing wicketkeeper Arjun Mahesh. With the USA reeling at 35 for four, leg-spinner Khilan Patel added to the damage by trapping Amogh Arepally. Although Nitish Sudini offered some resistance with a spirited 36-run knock, Henil returned to dismantle the tail, finishing with elite figures of 5 for 16 as the USA were skittled for 107.

India's chase was complicated by weather, as a rain delay resulted in a revised DLS target of 96 runs from 37 overs. Despite losing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early and facing further interruptions that claimed the wickets of captain Ayush Mhatre, Vedant Trivedi, and Vihaan Malhotra, the result was never in serious doubt. Abhigyan Kundu anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 42, steering India to the finish line.