Mumbai-based Indian cricketer Alpesh Ramjani is gearing up to shine in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, not for Team India but Uganda. The 29-year-old all-rounder, who honed his skills on the maidaans of Kandivali East, will now represent Uganda in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. This is a historic moment for Uganda, marking their first appearance in the tournament. The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States.
Ramjani's journey is even more special because of his experience playing for the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI) in tournaments like coveted Giles and Harris shield. These are tournaments where legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, and Wasim Jaffer played in their early days.
Interestingly, it was Alpesh friends who pushed him to Uganda in 2021. Dinesh Nakrani and Ronak Patel, who also play cricket there, convinced him to pursue his passion for cricket. Now, all eyes will be on Ramjani as he takes his skills to the international stage.
"It was the unwavering support of my friends, Dinesh Nakrani and Ronak Patel, that nudged me forward, especially during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic when I lost my job. That decision altered the course of my life, igniting my passion for cricket," Alpesh while reflecting on his journey said, as quoted by Business standard.
Alpesh played alongwith Prithvi Shaw and Shivam Dube
Hailing from Siddhant Nagar in Kandivali East, Alpesh Ramjani's cricketing talent blossomed during his school days at Springfield Rizvi School in Mumbai. There, he honed his skills while playing in prestigious inter-school tournaments like the Giles and Harris Shield. Notably, he shared the field with future stars like Prithvi Shaw and Shivam Dube, showcasing his potential even back then.
Fast forward to today, and Ramjani's talent has garnered international recognition. His exceptional performance throughout the year caught the eye of the ICC, with his impressive statistics speaking volumes, 55 wickets claimed, 449 runs amassed, and a knack for fielding evidenced by five catches. These numbers are a testament to his well-rounded skillset as a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler.
This recognition has cemented Ramjani's place as a vital cog in the Ugandan cricket team. His consistent contributions have anchored their success on numerous occasions, making him a true lynchpin for the nation.
Alpesh Ramjani's Impact in Ugandan cricket
Making a splash on the international scene in 2022, Alpesh Ramjani quickly became a crucial member of the Ugandan Cricket Cranes. His debut came during the ACA T20 Africa Cup against Botswana, where he made an immediate impact. This impressive performance was further solidified with a standout showing against Kenya in the same tournament.
Ramjani's cricketing journey isn't just about potential; his statistics stand as a testament to his skills. In just 35 matches with 23 innings batted, he's amassed a commendable 549 runs, boasting a solid batting average of 30.50 and an aggressive strike rate of 133.90. He's also proven his fielding abilities, taking 14 catches throughout his career thus far.
But Ramjani isn't just a threat with the bat. His bowling prowess is equally impressive. He's claimed a remarkable 60 wickets in those same matches, with a best bowling figure of 4-9. This versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the Ugandan team, offering a well-rounded skillset that strengthens their position on the international stage.
From Local Grounds to World Stage: Ramjani's Inspiring Journey
A defining chapter in Alpesh Ramjani's story unfolded during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa qualifiers in Namibia. His pivotal role etched a historic moment not just for Ugandan cricket, but also for him personally, as a resident of Borivali, East Siddharth Nagar in Mumbai. His exceptional batting display against Zimbabwe, where he smashed 40 runs off a mere 26 balls during a crucial third-wicket partnership, cemented his place in Ugandan cricketing history.
Alpesh is gearing up up to join the Ugandan team in Sri Lanka for pre-tournament warm-up matches ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
