Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige (born March 2, 1991) is an American cricketer whose journey from Auburn, Alabama to representing the U.S. national side is nothing short of inspirational.
Making his debut in May 2017 during the ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Uganda, Kenjige has since become a vital player for the U.S. cricket team. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
The Early Years of Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige: Rooted in Heritage
Born in Auburn, Alabama, Kenjige’s early life was deeply influenced by his father’s work as an agricultural researcher at Tuskegee University. Before he turned one, his family moved back to India, settling in the Chikkamagaluru District near Bengaluru. It was here, amidst the lush coffee plantations managed by his father, that Kenjige’s love for cricket began to blossom.
Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige attended The Lawrence School, Lovedale, where he showcased his talent by representing the school cricket team across various age groups. His cricketing prowess continued to shine through his university years at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru, where he played competitive university cricket.
Returning to the U.S.: A New Chapter Begins
In 2015, Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige returned to the United States, initially moving to Virginia and then to New York. During this period, he worked as a biological technician, balancing his professional life with his passion for cricket. His dedication and talent soon caught the attention of the cricketing community, leading to his selection for the U.S. national team.
Rising Through the Ranks: International Career
Kenjige’s international career took off in January 2018 when he was named in the United States squad for the Regional Super50 tournament in the West Indies. Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige made his List A debut against the Leeward Islands on January 31, 2018.
This marked the beginning of a series of impressive performances, with Kenjige consistently proving his mettle as a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox bowler.
His standout performance came during the 2018–19 ICC World Twenty20 Americas Qualifier tournament in Morrisville, North Carolina, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with twelve dismissals in six matches. This achievement solidified his reputation as a key player for the U.S. team.
Achievements and Milestones
Kenjige’s journey is dotted with numerous achievements. In October 2018, he was named in the U.S. squads for both the Regional Super50 tournament in the West Indies and the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Oman.
By 2019, Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige was a regular feature in the U.S. cricket team’s squad for major tournaments, including the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia and the United Arab Emirates Tri-Nation Series.
In September 2019, Kenjige’s consistent performances earned him a spot in the U.S. One Day International (ODI) squad for the United States Tri-Nation Series. His ODI debut came against the United Arab Emirates on December 8, 2019, marking another significant milestone in his career.
Recent Developments: Continued Success
Kenjige’s cricketing journey has continued to flourish. In March 2024, he was named in the United States’ squad for their T20I series against Canada, making his T20I debut on April 7, 2024. His participation in the Minor League Cricket tournament in June 2021 further highlights his growing influence and presence in American cricket.
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