Eye on USA: 4 Uncapped players aiming to turn heads in MLC

Eye on USA: 4 Uncapped players aiming to turn heads in MLC

The former Mizoram and Mumbai U19 captain hogged the limelight in this year's domestic MLC draft. The 26-year-old called time on his domestic career with Mizoram that saw dizzying heights as he smashed four centuries in his first four Ranji Trophy games to write himself into the record books. Unable to break into the IPL despite a Bradmanesque first class average of 94.94, Chopra decided to pursue opportunities in his country of birth by throwing his hat in the ring for the domestic draft. He was duly drafted by a franchise – MI New York – who he was a fan of as a child. In unfamiliar territory, he'll find comfort in the familiar crest of MI New York representing the American offshoot of the IPL franchise from his hometown.

USA currently boasts of a stacked army of right handers slotting in their top and middle order. The sporadic presence of Steven Taylor has meant that USA has played no frontline left hander in their top 4 for quite a while. But with T20 cricket increasingly driven by matchups, a firing Chopra could give the selectors a welcome dilemma. Son of celebrated Bollywood producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Agni won't have a better stage than MI New York to script an audition on, specially with USA skipper Monank Patel watching from 22 yards away.

Tajinder Dhillon has had a compelling arc of life, marked by perseverance, delayed recognition, and recurring setbacks. Despite being overlooked in all age group cricket, he climbed the IPL ladder with Mumbai Indians and the erstwhile Kings XI Punjab only to warm the bench all season on both occasions. Dhillon took a bold leap to bid adieu to his BCCI career, lured by the promise of finding his big stage in America through the MLC. But two years on, the story is agonisingly familiar – of being on the fringes once again. In two seasons, he has been handed just five outings, all buried deep down the order, with no chance earlier than number 7.

Earlier this year, Dhillon made another bold call – to request his release ahead of the MLC draft. It was a risky move for any cricketer in America, let alone one unsure where his next paycheck might come from. There was a big risk of also going unsold. But Dhillon knew exactly where his conviction stemmed from. To his relief the MI franchise did not need a second invitation to reunite with their former asset as Dhillon was picked up by MINY. He's been a dominant force in domestic cricket, sparing no bowling attack from his ferocious stroke play. He went on an MVP streak across tournaments in American domestic cricket. None more dazzling than his 2024 Minor League campaign, where he powered the Chicago Kingsmen to the title with 394 runs in 9 innings, striking at 146, from No. 4 or 5.

Strappingly built, Dhillon brings serious muscle to the middle-order, particularly excelling in power-hitting against spin. Quick off the blocks and unafraid to go against the grain, he's a heavy middle-overs disruptor, something the USA T20 middle-order has sorely lacked. With the World Cup looming next year, the selectors would be wise to keep him firmly in their plans. Add to that his crafty off-spin, and Dhillon makes a well-rounded case for inclusion.

Chand's international debut was a question of when not if. However, since announcing his arrival to the world with a thumping century in the U19 World Cup final against Australia 13 years ago, it has been a journey of sustained agony. Over a decade on, not only did the India cap elude him, but even in America, the cricketing gods have refused to smile upon him. Chand's story has been an illustration of the brutalities of professional sport where the platitude of controlling the controllables may not be entirely true.

Chand did just that in his first three years in America. Despite consolidating his position as the highest run-getter in the first three years of the Minor League, he was repeatedly snubbed for the national side. Chand responded to his World Cup non-selection with a couple of match-winning half centuries for the LA Knight Riders last year but that couldn't even earn him a spot in the USA A set up. With the T20 World Cup coming early next year, this season of MLC could be make-or-break for the 32-year-old.

Since arriving in the U.S. in early 2022, the former Peshawar Zalmi leg-spinner has arguably been the finest in his craft across American cricket. His rise wasn't limited to just the MLC, where he shot to prominence with a spellbinding 4 for 8 against the LA Knight Riders in the inaugural game of the league, followed by another four-wicket haul that dismantled the Unicorns last season. What sets him apart isn't just the numbers – it's the conviction in his craft, echoed by coaches across the globe. Beyond being the bowling linchpin for TSK, that trust has earned him stints in ILT20 and the CPL.

Standing tall 6'3", Mohsin's leggies are quicker through the air than most plying the trade. His googlies break at wide angles. Now that Mohsin has qualified, it will be a toss up between the young leg spinner Yasir Mohammad who has been predominantly warming the bench with the national team for an extended period of time. It will be a question of Yasir's promise vs Mohsin's all encompassing skill and experience. Fast-tracking Mohsin into the USA scheme of things should be a no-brainer for the selectors. Having completed an arduous three-year journey, he has time and again showcased remarkable control over his craft, a testament to both his skill and perseverance.