Mohammad Amir Khan from Mumbai has built an impressive cricketing career over the years, representing top clubs, corporate teams, and prestigious tournaments across India and abroad. Known for his skills as a left-arm bowler, Amir has consistently been part of competitive setups, right from BCCI camps to Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy probables.
Early Years and Breakthrough
Amir’s early cricketing journey took shape when he played for Air India in the All India Mahindra Shield Tournament (2010-2011). His performances there opened doors to Mumbai cricket’s competitive structure, and soon he was a regular name in key domestic tournaments.
Representing Mumbai Cricket
- Ranji Trophy Probable Teams: 2012-2013 and again in 2015-2016.
- Mumbai Under-25 (C.K. Naidu Trophy, 2012-2013).
- Mumbai Under-22 (Shalini Bhalekar Trophy and Madhav Mantri Trophy, 2011-2012).
- Mumbai Under-25 for Shalini Bhalekar Trophy (2012-2013).
Alongside, Amir was also part of the BCCI Fast Bowler Camp (2012-2013) and the Mumbai Cricket Association Fast Bowler Camps (2015-2016, 2017-2018 with IDBI) a reflection of his recognition as a promising left-arm bowler in Mumbai cricket.
Club and Corporate Cricket
Mohammad Amir Khan has represented some of Mumbai’s most reputed clubs and corporate teams:
- Cricket Club of India (CCI) as a left-arm bowler.
- National Cricket Club.
- Payyade Sports Club.
- Regal Sports Club (2023-2024).
- Young Friends Cricket Club (2023-2024).
- Route Mobile Company.
Tournaments and Notable Performances
- D.Y. Patil T20 Tournament (2012-2013).
- D.Y. Patil Times Shield A Division (2011-2013).
- Bucchi Babu Tournament (2012-2013).
- Mumbai Police Invitation Tournament Salar Jung (2024).
- All India Tournament (Malaysia).
These tournaments gave Amir the chance to compete with and against top-level players, adding depth and experience to his cricketing profile.
A Career of Consistency
From 2010 to 2024, Mohammad Amir Khan has been a constant figure in competitive cricket. Whether it was donning the Mumbai colors in Under-22 and Under-25 formats, representing corporate giants like Air India and Route Mobile, or playing for elite clubs such as CCI and Payyade, Amir’s journey speaks of dedication, consistency, and passion for the game.
Conclusion
Mohammad Amir Khan’s cricketing journey reflects the path of a determined Mumbai cricketer who made his mark across multiple formats, tournaments, and teams. With rich experience in domestic and corporate cricket, he stands as a proven left-arm bowler who has contributed to Mumbai cricket’s ecosystem for over a decade.
The first-ever Interstate Invitational Tournament hosted by Future Blues Cricket Academy in Jodhpur the Interstate Tricolour Series saw some promising young talent rise to the occasion. Among them, U-16 keeper-opener Yash Dusi from Mumbai stood out as the star batter of the tournament.
Representing Comrades Cricket Academy, Yash showed remarkable consistency across all four matches. His ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking made him one of the most dependable batters of the series.
In the opening match, Yash set the tone with a fluent 68 runs against Future Blues A.
He followed it up with a steady 50-run knock against Bhopal Cricket Academy in the second game.
The third match once again saw his class on display as he struck 55 runs against Future Blues A, showing he could handle pressure and adapt to different bowling attacks.
Yash saved his best for the last, playing a breathtaking innings of 125* runs against FBCA Rajasthan, stamping his authority as one of the brightest prospects in youth cricket.
What this really means is that Yash didn’t just score runs, he delivered when it mattered most, lifting his side’s confidence throughout the tournament. For a U-16 player balancing the dual responsibility of opening the batting and keeping wickets, his performances spoke volumes about his temperament, discipline, and hunger to succeed.
The Interstate Tricolour Series gave young cricketers from across India a platform to test their skills, and Yash Dusi made sure his name stood tall among them. If his recent form is anything to go by, Mumbai cricket may have found another future prospect to watch closely.
Cricket Life Academy, Mumbai, is fast becoming a hub for nurturing future cricket stars, and the recent achievements of its players prove just that. Trained under the guidance of head coach Yogesh Renjala, three academy boys have earned major milestones in their young careers.
Kaydin Prabhu has been selected for the MCA Under-19 Summer Camp 2025. Adding to his achievements, he also secured a scholarship with the BENET corporate team to play in the prestigious Times Shield, a platform known for producing quality cricketers.
Another promising youngster, Neel Koli, has also been picked for the MCA Under-19 Summer Camp 2025. Neel is already making waves beyond his age group, becoming the youngest player from Cricket Life Academy to enter the MPL Auction. He is currently testing his skills in the Raigad Premier League, sharing the field with established Ranji Trophy players—an invaluable experience at this stage of his journey.
In the junior age group, Ansh Sonawne is carrying forward the academy’s reputation with his performances. He has been selected for the MCA Under-14 Summer Camp 2025 and earned recognition through the MCA Dream11 Trophy, where he made his mark with consistent showings. At present, Ansh continues to sharpen his skills as part of the MCA off-season practice program.
Coach Yogesh Renjala has been instrumental in shaping these cricketers, with his academy providing the right environment and mentorship to help young players transition from grassroots to competitive stages. With Kaydin, Neel, and Ansh leading the way, Cricket Life Academy is steadily building a name in Mumbai’s cricketing circles.
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia has been elected as the new Joint Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a move that highlights the growing influence of younger administrators in Indian cricket.
Cricket, though, was never far from the family. His father, Baldev Singh Bhatia, served as president of the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), playing a big role in securing the state’s full membership in the BCCI back in 2016. Prabhtej himself served on the BCCI Apex Council from 2019 to 2022, gaining first-hand experience in national cricket administration.
With his election as Joint Secretary, Bhatia now holds one of the most crucial positions in Indian cricket. The role requires coordination between state associations, oversight of domestic structures, and support in executing BCCI’s wide calendar of tournaments and international fixtures. His background in finance and operations through his business career, combined with his administrative exposure, makes him well-positioned to contribute meaningfully.
At just 30s, he represents a younger generation of leadership within the BCCI. His rise also symbolizes how newer cricketing states like Chhattisgarh, which only recently gained prominence in Indian cricket, are now producing national-level decision-makers.
Speaking after the elections, Bhatia expressed gratitude towards the members for their trust and reiterated his focus on building a stronger grassroots structure while also ensuring India continues to set benchmarks in global cricket.
When you talk about cricket coaching in Mumbai, one name that has quietly but firmly left a mark over the last four decades is Gyan Singh. Born and raised in the city, Singh has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to nurturing cricketers at every level from school tournaments to professional clubs, academies, and even the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
Singh’s coaching journey began unusually early. At just 19, he took up his first assignment with GSB Cricket Club, a sign of how naturally he gravitated toward teaching the game. Over the years, he became a familiar figure at school cricket, guiding Rizvi Springfield School in the Harris and Giles Shield tournaments, and later mentoring players at Rizvi College alongside Sanjay Gaitonde for seven years.
His partnership with Gaitonde extended to Shiv Seva for a year before Singh moved into long-term stints that built his reputation as one of the city’s most consistent coaches. He spent 15 years at Goregaon Sports Club and Payyade Sports Club, and 10 years with Lilavati Hospital’s cricket setup. For the last 17 years, he has been serving the Mumbai Cricket Association as a coach, coordinator, and observer a role that shows the trust and respect he commands within the cricketing community.
Singh’s influence wasn’t limited to Mumbai. He worked for nine years at the MCC under coach Jwala Singh, a name closely linked with the rise of modern talents. He also spent five years with Paramount Cricket Club and even contributed as a member of the international cricket organising sub-committee for two years. Adding to his global footprint, Singh himself played overseas in Bahrain between 1988 and 1991, gaining valuable international exposure.
What stands out about Gyan Singh’s career is not just the length of service but the consistency with which he has adapted to different roles whether as a school coach shaping raw kids, a club coach building teams, or an MCA observer ensuring the system runs smoothly. His story is proof that behind every generation of Mumbai cricketers, there are selfless coaches like him who keep the city’s cricket heartbeat strong.
The New Jersey U15 cricket team proved once again why they’re the side to beat, lifting the U15 Nationals trophy for the second straight year. Their journey to the title wasn’t just about dominance it was about nerve, resilience, and clutch moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Opening Statement Against North Carolina
The campaign began against North Carolina, where New Jersey set the tone. After winning the toss and batting first, they put up 197 runs in 40 overs. Raghav Lakshmanan smashed 44 off 39 balls, while Aarav Patel held the innings together with 35 off 55.
Defending the total, the bowlers were ruthless. Siddhith Krishna ripped through the batting order with 4 wickets in just 6 overs, sealing a 88-run win and picking up the Man of the Match award.
Match 2: Double Super Over Drama
The second match against Bay Area Regional turned into an instant classic. After a tie in regulation play, the game went into two Super Overs. With 8 runs to defend in the second Super Over, Raj Parikh held his nerve and bowled brilliantly to seal victory for New Jersey. That clutch performance kept their unbeaten run alive.
Match 3: Balanced Win Over Missouri
Facing Missouri U15, New Jersey once again leaned on their bowling strength. Missouri were bowled out for 124 in 39 overs, with Armaan Ramchandani, Thaman Dilip, and Raj Parikh each striking twice.
The chase wasn’t flashy but steady, as New Jersey crossed the line with 4 wickets in hand. Rehan Behra’s all-round effort 17 runs and a wicket earned him the Man of the Match.
The Final: Last-Ball Six Seals Glory
The grand final against Bay Area Regional was the ultimate see-saw battle. Bay Area posted 160/8 in 40 overs, with Raghav Lakshmanan again the standout bowler, taking 4/23 in 7 overs.
The chase was tense from start to finish. With 10 runs needed off the final over, the game went down to the last ball. That’s when Raj Parikh turned hero, smashing a six to seal the title for New Jersey. It was a finish straight out of a movie script.
Tournament Standouts
Most Valuable Player of the Tournament: Raghav Lakshmanan
Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament: Aarav Patel
The Man Behind the Success: Coach Shailesh Nakashe
Much of New Jersey’s success comes down to the steady guidance of Coach Shailesh Nakashe, who has been at the helm for both national title wins. Under his leadership, the team has built a culture of discipline, teamwork, and fearless cricket.
Winning two national championships in a row is no small feat, and Nakashe’s influence has been crucial in helping the players believe in themselves and deliver under pressure. His role in shaping young talent like Raghav Lakshmanan, Aarav Patel, and Siddhith Krishna has made him one of the most respected youth coaches in the U.S. cricket circuit.
Champions Again
From Siddhith Krishna’s fiery spell in the opener to the double Super Over win, and the last-ball six in the final, this campaign had it all. New Jersey didn’t just defend their title they built a legacy, proving they can win big, win close, and win under pressure.
One-day cricket finds itself in an uncertain space — caught between the fast-paced thrill of T20s and the tradition of Tests. Once the perfect balance of skill, strategy, and endurance, the 50-over format has been pushed aside. The Asia Cup has switched to T20, bilateral ODI series are being trimmed, and ICC Future Tours Programme allocations keep shrinking. Broadcasters prefer T20s for their fixed three-hour slot, while ODIs risk rain interruptions and unpredictable lengths.
The result is a format slowly losing its identity. Are we heading toward a pro-40 model instead of the traditional 50 overs?
Will and Skill: The Grassroots Crisis
The real problem isn’t just whether teams have ODI skills — it’s whether those skills are being developed at all. Domestic 50-over tournaments are disappearing worldwide. State associations prefer T20 leagues for cost and scheduling, while first-class cricket focuses on red-ball skills. Many players now reach international level having played fewer than 20–30 proper 50-over matches in their career.
This creates a vicious cycle: without exposure, players struggle at international level, making the format less appealing. The muscle memory of pacing an innings over 50 overs is simply not being built.
On top of this, most domestic T20 leagues offer far greater financial rewards than 50-over cricket. Young players naturally gravitate to formats that bring faster recognition. The will to master ODIs fades when the pathway offers fewer opportunities.
The Forgotten Art of Strike Rotation
Over the last few years, teams have increasingly failed to bat through 50 overs, often folding early. The middle overs — once the engine room of ODI batting — have become a graveyard.
The most underrated skill in ODI cricket is strike rotation. If you look at Virat Kohli’s record, his strike rate remains impressive despite not hitting an extraordinary number of boundaries. That’s because he mastered the art of turning over the strike, building around the occasional four. In ODIs, risk is always calculated: a boundary every 2–3 overs, combined with smart singles, allows you to keep the scoreboard ticking at 6–7 runs per over without gambling your wicket.
What we see too often now is the opposite — players going for two boundaries an over and getting stuck with too many dot balls in the process. A batter might hit a four off the first ball but still end the over with just five runs because the rest were dots. The real key is building around that boundary: four singles plus one four gets you eight runs without risk, compared to one boundary followed by five dots for just five runs.
This isn’t just about individual overs — it’s about sustained pressure on the bowling side. When batters consistently rotate strike, they force captains to keep changing fields, prevent bowlers from settling into rhythm, and create opportunities for the loose delivery. The psychological impact is immense: bowlers become frustrated when they can’t build dot-ball pressure, leading to the very mistakes that good ODI batters capitalize on.
The mathematics are compelling, but the execution requires patience. That boundary every 2–3 overs approach, supplemented by regular strike rotation, transforms modest-looking totals. This subtle craft is what turns 270–280 scores into 320–330 ones — the difference between a competitive and a commanding total.
The ripple effect is clear: teams start strong in the powerplay but lose momentum in the middle. By the final 10 overs they’re either short of wickets or forced into desperate acceleration, leading to collapses. The middle overs become about survival rather than progression, exactly the opposite of what makes ODI batting compelling.
England’s 2019 World Cup campaign exemplifies the opposite problem perfectly. Despite their aggressive reputation, they frequently collapsed when their power-hitting approach failed. Against Sri Lanka, they went from 186/1 to 212 all out, unable to adapt when boundary-hitting became difficult. Compare this to New Zealand in the same tournament — teams like Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor consistently found ways to keep the scoreboard moving even when boundaries dried up.
Bowling: Patience Over Panic
The same problem affects bowlers. Just as batters need the discipline to rotate strike, bowlers need the patience to deliver consistent 2–3 run overs without panicking. But T20 conditioning has made many of them reactive.
The classic example: a bowler concedes a boundary early in the over, then chases the “magic ball” instead of sticking to his plan. Five good balls followed by a loose delivery still makes it an eight-run over. Pressure built is pressure wasted.
Just as a batter’s dots cancel out their boundaries, a bowler’s one mistake cancels out their discipline. ODI bowling requires the calm acceptance that a boundary doesn’t ruin the over — but a lapse in patience does.
Equally, teams have leaned too heavily on defensive all-rounders. Containing runs without taking wickets in the middle overs achieves little. Successful ODI sides persist with genuine wicket-takers, because dismissals — not dot-ball pressure alone — change games. India exemplifies this with specialists like Kuldeep, Chahal, or Jadeja, who attack even if they sometimes concede. Conceding 150 runs with four wickets is more valuable than 130 runs with none.
Australia’s recent struggles highlight this perfectly. Their reliance on Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and part-time bowlers in middle overs often leaves them toothless when established batters settle in. Without specialist wicket-takers like a prime Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill, they’re reduced to hoping batters make mistakes rather than creating dismissals.
Doing the “Boring Job” & Reading Conditions
The most undervalued aspect of ODI batting, especially in the middle overs, is what can only be called doing the boring job — rotating strike consistently over long stretches, keeping the scoreboard moving at 5–6 runs per over for 15–17 overs. It might not look flashy, but it lays the platform for acceleration later. This requires patience, discipline, and self-control — qualities that seem to be fading in modern batting.
The psychological challenge is immense. Batters must resist the T20-conditioned urge for immediate gratification, accepting that building an innings is more valuable than individual highlights. It’s about understanding that a solid 15-over period scoring 85-90 runs without losing wickets is infinitely more valuable than a flashy 50 off 25 balls that leaves the team five wickets down.
This boring job isn’t just about individual technique — it’s about partnership batting. The best ODI pairs communicate constantly, ensuring the strike keeps rotating, taking calculated risks only when the bowler offers them. They understand that momentum in ODIs is built gradually, not in explosive bursts. Equally crucial is reading conditions and setting realistic targets. Not every pitch allows you to score 300–325; sometimes 250–260 is a winning total. Many teams, in their pursuit of an arbitrary “par” score, end up getting bowled out cheaply when the conditions don’t warrant aggressive strokeplay. Great ODI batting is about awareness — understanding how the wicket is behaving, what bowling attack you’re facing, and adjusting accordingly.
India’s 2023 World Cup campaign perfectly exemplifies this approach in action. Their dominance wasn’t built on explosive powerplay hitting or death-overs carnage — it was constructed through methodical middle-overs batting. Whether scoring 397 against New Zealand or defending 229 against England, the template remained consistent: Indian batters took it deep, refused to throw their wickets away, and allowed the innings to build naturally.
The statistics tell the story: Kohli’s 765 runs came at a strike rate of just 90.31, yet he was the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Shreyas Iyer averaged 67 while rotating strike beautifully. KL Rahul’s innings construction was exemplary — he understood his role as the middle-order anchor, allowing others to play around him. Even their big totals weren’t built through T20-style hitting but through sustained pressure over 35-40 overs.
Most tellingly, India’s approach worked regardless of conditions. On turning tracks in Delhi and Mumbai, they posted competitive totals by refusing to panic when boundaries were hard to find. Against pace-friendly attacks, they absorbed pressure and found ways to keep the scoreboard moving. This adaptability — reading conditions and adjusting accordingly — is what modern ODI teams lack.
The contrast with other teams was stark. England’s batting collapses, Australia’s middle-order fragility, and Pakistan’s inconsistency all stemmed from the same problem: an inability to construct ODI innings properly. They’d either get bogged down completely or try to force the pace and lose wickets in clusters. India’s batters mastered the art of doing the boring job — excelling at rotating strike, building partnerships, and finding boundaries without gambling their wickets.
Captaincy: The Defensive Trap
Perhaps the most damaging T20 influence has been on ODI captaincy. Captains have become overly defensive, applying short-format thinking to a longer game that rewards patience and calculated aggression.
The middle overs often expose this mindset. Instead of setting attacking fields and backing wicket-takers, captains opt for defensive fields and “safe” all-rounders. In T20s you can survive a quiet middle phase, but in ODIs this hands the initiative to the batting side.
Consider the contrasting approaches of MS Dhoni versus many current ODI captains. Dhoni would often bring Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack during partnerships, setting close catchers and slip fielders even in the middle overs. He understood that taking wickets changes the entire complexion of an ODI innings. Modern captains, by contrast, often deploy defensive rings from overs 15-40, hoping to contain rather than create breakthroughs.
This defensive mindset extends to field placements. Where Dhoni might have had a slip and short cover for his spinners, creating genuine chances, today’s captains prefer sweepers on both sides and mid-on pushed back. The message to bowlers is clear: don’t concede boundaries, rather than take wickets. This approach might limit immediate damage, but it rarely produces the gamechanging moments that define successful ODI sides.
Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy campaign offers a perfect counter-example. Sarfaraz Ahmed consistently backed his strike bowlers — Hassan Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Shadab Khan — with attacking fields throughout the middle overs. Even when they occasionally went for runs, the wicket-taking approach ultimately proved match-winning. Their semi-final against England and the final against India were won precisely because they attacked when other captains would have defended.
Smart ODI captaincy means being proactive — accepting the early single, bowling to your fields, and backing specialists to break partnerships. It’s not about limiting damage, but about creating game-changing moments. Teams that forget this rarely bowl opponents out; those that remember it control matches.
Where Does ODI Cricket Go From Here?
The future of the format depends on whether cricket boards address the grassroots decline. Even if multi-day cricket cannot thrive everywhere, 50-over competitions must be preserved. Without them, international cricket will only produce players trained for T20, leaving ODIs in limbo.
The solutions require both structural changes and financial commitments:
Mandatory Domestic Requirements: Cricket boards should mandate that every Full Member nation runs at least a 10-team, home-and-away 50-over competition annually. The ICC could make this a condition for receiving development funding or hosting rights for major tournaments.
Financial Restructuring: Currently, T20 leagues offer astronomical rewards while 50-over cricket pays modestly. Boards need to create meaningful financial incentives — perhaps match fees for domestic 50-over cricket should be double those of T20 competitions. Prize pools for domestic one-day tournaments should rival those of T20 leagues.
Player Pathway Requirements: Young players shouldn’t be eligible for international ODI selection without having played a minimum number of domestic 50-over matches. This forces development pathways to take the format seriously.
Broadcasting Innovation: The ICC should negotiate broadcast deals that specifically protect ODI cricket’s scheduling and coverage. Perhaps a minimum number of ODI matches per bilateral series, or guaranteed prime-time slots for major ODI tournaments.
Coaching Certification: National coaching programs should include mandatory modules on ODI-specific skills — strike rotation, middle-over bowling, innings construction. Coaches who can’t teach these skills shouldn’t be coaching at elite levels.
Tournament Structure: The ICC could experiment with a global 50-over league system, similar to the World Test Championship, where bilateral ODI series contribute to an annual championship. This gives every ODI match meaning and ensures regular scheduling. Strike rotation, innings construction, wicket-taking patience, and situational awareness don’t appear overnight — they are habits built through repetition. The current system produces players who can hit sixes and bowl yorkers but struggle with the subtle arts that make ODI cricket compelling.
The 50-over game still offers unmatched tactical depth: skill, patience, and calculation. But if ignored, it risks turning into nothing more than an extended T20. The “forgotten art” of ODI cricket is worth saving — but only if we invest in teaching and practicing the skills that make it unique.
Without these changes, we’ll continue watching international teams stumble through ODI series, unable to bat 50 overs or bowl with patience. The format that once showcased cricket’s complete skill set will become a relic — entertaining occasionally, but lacking the substance that made it special. The choice is clear: invest in ODI cricket’s unique demands now, or watch it fade into irrelevance.
Mumbai cricket has a long history of producing exceptional talent, and one of the brightest young names making noise right now is Abir Chadha, a 17-year-old right-arm fast bowler who can also contribute with the bat. With match-winning spells, all-round consistency, and recent recognition at both divisional and state levels, Abir is shaping up as a player to watch in the coming years.
Early Journey: Harris Shield and School Cricket
Abir first made a mark in the Harris Shield, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious school tournaments. In a standout performance, he picked up 5 wickets and scored 30 runs in the same match, proving early that he wasn’t just a bowler but a dependable all-rounder.
He carried this form into the District School Games (DSO), where he captained his team. Under his leadership, the side topped their group stage, while Abir himself bagged 9 wickets in 4 matches. His ability to deliver with the ball and guide his teammates underlined his growing maturity as a cricketer.
Kalpesh Koli Tournament & Naren Tamhane Trophy
Selectors soon recognized Abir’s potential. He was picked for the Kalpesh Koli U16 summer camp in back-to-back years, a sign of his steady progress in the Mumbai cricketing structure.
As he moved up the ranks, Abir featured in the Naren Tamhane Trophy (U19) across two seasons. One of his most memorable spells came when he bowled 12 overs, taking 4 wickets for 57 runs, earning the Man of the Match award. Performances like these show his ability to shine even in competitive, longer-format matches.
Bhama Cup and Invitational Games Performances
Abir Chadha continued his strong run in the Bhama Cup, where he picked 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 4 overs in the first match, winning Man of the Match yet again. In the next game, he scored 30 runs, proving that his batting is more than just a bonus.
But the highlight of his recent career came in the Maharashtra Invitational Games. In one match, he tore through the opposition with a 9-wicket haul claiming 5 wickets in the first innings and 4 in the second. Such dominance with the ball speaks volumes about his pace, control, and match-winning temperament.
Recognition in 2025: State & MCA Selection
The year 2025 has already brought big milestones for Abir Chadha. He was selected as a net bowler for the Under-19 state team, giving him exposure to elite-level training and competition. Adding to this, he earned a place in the Top 30 bowlers camp for the MCA A B C Division selections at BKC, cementing his reputation as one of Mumbai’s most promising young fast bowlers.
Abir Chadha’s Growing Reputation
At just 17, Abir has already made his presence felt in tournaments like the Harris Shield, DSO, Kalpesh Koli Tournament, Naren Tamhane Trophy, Bhama Cup, and Maharashtra Invitational Games. His ability to consistently take wickets, lead teams, and step up in big moments shows he has the temperament and skillset to keep moving forward.
With his recent recognition from MCA and the state setup, Abir Chadha is on track to become one of the standout fast bowlers from Mumbai’s new generation. For cricket fans and selectors following the city’s next crop of talent, his name is one that will keep coming up.
Yogesh Anand Renjala’s journey in cricket has been built on equal parts passion and persistence. With over a decade of coaching experience, he has dedicated his life to developing players, refining their skills, and instilling the values that cricket truly stands for discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
As the Founder and Head Coach of Cricket Life Academy in Mumbai, Yogesh has spent 10 years mentoring aspiring cricketers. His role goes far beyond teaching technique. He works closely with players to sharpen their mental conditioning, tactical understanding, and ability to perform under pressure. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching sessions or guiding entire squads, his approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of player psychology.
Yogesh’s coaching philosophy is rooted in building a culture of excellence. He has been instrumental in arranging academy tournaments to track progress, refine team dynamics, and prepare his students for competitive cricket. Formerly, he also served as the Cricket Coach of Delhi Titans Champions in the Actor Cricket Bash League, where he brought his professional touch to the franchise setup.
His credibility is further strengthened by formal coaching certifications. Yogesh holds a Level-1 certification from Coaching Beyond in Chennai, mentored by Ravi Shastri and trained under elite coaches like Bharat Arun and R Sridhar. This exposure gave him unique insights into modern cricket coaching techniques and the importance of blending technical skills with sports science.
On the playing front, Yogesh has had a rich journey of his own. He competed in Mumbai’s A division cricket and represented leading corporate teams like Nirlon, Pantaloons Future Group, Oriental Insurance, and DTDC in prestigious tournaments such as the Times Shield. He has also featured in historic competitions like the Kanga League, Purshottam Shield, and Talim Shield. Expanding his horizons overseas, Yogesh played for two years in the UK Minor County League, gaining valuable international exposure and experience in English conditions.
Over the years, he has also shared the field with top-level players such as Rohit Sharma, Shivam Dubey, Sarfaraz Khan, Harmeet Singh, and Saurabh Netravalkar. His involvement with the Mumbai Cricket Association, including the MCA Summer Camp for U14 and U16 at Kandivali Centre, further reflects his role in the city’s cricketing ecosystem.
What sets Yogesh apart is his commitment to developing complete players. He doesn’t just focus on skills with the bat or ball he works on character, fitness, mindset, and tactical awareness. His players are encouraged to think like cricketers, not just play like them.
From his early playing days to his current role as a mentor and coach, Yogesh Anand Renjala continues to shape cricket careers with the same passion that first drew him to the sport. For him, cricket is not just a game but a lifelong commitment to excellence and his students are living proof of that dedication.
The recently concluded USA Nationals U15 T20 Championship turned into a landmark tournament for Cricmax talent Mahek Desai, who not only led from the front as captain of Team Blue (New Jersey) but also walked away as the Best Batsman and MVP of the tournament.
At just 14, Mahek displayed maturity well beyond her age, finishing as the highest run-scorer with an impressive 234 runs in 5 matches, including a highest score of 79. Her consistency with the bat and sharp leadership were key factors in guiding Team Blue to lift the championship trophy.
Consistent Performances Match by Match
Match 1 – Blue vs Green: Steady start with 34 runs off 41 balls.
Match 2 – Blue vs Red: Explosive knock of 79 off 54 balls, setting the tone for the tournament.
Match 3 – Team Blue: Quickfire 35 runs off 22 balls, showing her ability to accelerate.
Match 4 – vs Red: Contributed 15 runs off just 7 balls, adding important runs in the middle order.
Final Match: Led from the front with a match-winning 71 off 53 balls, sealing the title for her side.
A Journey Rooted in Hard Work
Mahek’s cricketing journey is deeply tied to Cricmax, where she has been training since she was just 9 years old. Her father, Coach Viraj Desai, who is also part of the Cricmax coaching staff, has played a pivotal role in her development. His tireless efforts and guidance have shaped Mahek into one of the most promising young cricketers in USA women’s cricket
Rising Star of USA Cricket
Captaining Team Blue and finishing as the tournament’s standout performer is no small feat. With her aggressive stroke play, calm temperament, and ability to lead under pressure, Mahek Desai has made a strong case as one of the brightest young prospects in American cricket.
Her success is not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Cricmax Academy, which continues to produce players making their mark at national level.
What this really means is that USA women’s cricket is seeing new stars emerge and Mahek Desai is already a name to watch for the future.