New Delhi, February 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the global reach of Indian talent during the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. Spotlighting the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 preparations, he highlighted how players of Indian descent are shining for teams beyond India’s borders.
‘The ones who play, they bloom,’ PM Modi remarked, capturing the unifying spirit of sports. He painted a vivid picture of fans glued to their screens, spotting familiar names on foreign jerseys. ‘The jersey might belong to another nation, but the name tugs at your heartstrings—it’s one of ours,’ he said, evoking a sense of quiet pride.
These athletes, rooted in India but representing their adopted homes, pour their hearts into every match. PM Modi specifically praised Canada’s squad, boasting the highest number of Indian-origin players. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa hails from Gurdaspur, Punjab, while Navneet Dhaliwal calls Chandigarh home. Others like Harsh Thakur and Shreyas Movva are equally elevating both Canada and India’s prestige on the field.
The US team draws heavily from India’s domestic cricket circuit. Captain Monank Patel has represented Gujarat at Under-16 and Under-18 levels. Mumbai’s Saurabh Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh from the same city, and Delhi’s Milind Kumar form the backbone of America’s lineup, bringing Indian flair to international stages.
Oman’s roster features Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jay and Ashish—veterans of Indian state cricket now fortifying Omani ranks. New Zealand, UAE, and Italy also field Indian-origin stars making their mark. ‘This is the essence of Indian identity,’ PM Modi affirmed. ‘Wherever they go, they stay connected to their roots while contributing wholeheartedly to their new homeland.’
These players not only honor their heritage but inspire local youth worldwide. In an era of global migration, their stories underscore how sports bridges cultures, fostering pride and unity across borders.