- Harmeet Singh Baddhan, born September 7, 1992, in Mumbai, is a left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, now playing for the USA cricket team.
- He was a prodigy in India, leading Mumbai youth teams and winning the 2012 Under-19 World Cup with an economy rate of 3.02.
- His domestic career in India included stints with Mumbai, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tripura, with a brief IPL appearance in 2013.
- Moved to the USA in 2020 due to limited opportunities, joining Minor League Cricket and being drafted first overall by Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.
- Made his T20I debut for USA in April 2024, scoring 33 runs off 13 balls against Bangladesh, and is part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
- Research suggests his bowling has evolved, becoming faster with a new yorker, enhancing his all-rounder role.
Early Life and Discovery
Harmeet Singh Baddhan was born on September 7, 1992, in Mumbai, India, where his cricketing journey began at age nine, spotted by Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Coached by Padmakar Shivalkar and Praveen Amre, he earned the Ramakant Achrekar Scholarship at 16, marking him as a talent with immense potential.
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Youth and Domestic Career
Harmeet led Mumbai’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams, winning the Cooch Behar Trophy in 2011-12. He played in the 2010 and 2012 Under-19 World Cups, with a standout 2012 performance (economy rate 3.02) helping India win. Domestically, he debuted with a seven-wicket haul for Mumbai, later playing for Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura, and had one IPL match with Rajasthan Royals in 2013.
Challenges and Move to USA
Investigated in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal but cleared, Harmeet faced limited opportunities in India, leading to his move to the USA in 2020. He joined Seattle Thunderbolts in Minor League Cricket and was drafted first overall by Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, reaching the 2023 finals.
International Career
Harmeet debuted for USA in T20Is on April 7, 2024, against Canada, scoring 33 off 13 against Bangladesh for Player of the Match. He’s integral to USA’s success and part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, with evidence suggesting his bowling has evolved to include a faster action and yorker.
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Comprehensive Biography of Harmeet Singh, USA Cricket Player
Harmeet Singh Baddhan, born on September 7, 1992, in Mumbai, India, has emerged as a significant figure in cricket, transitioning from a prodigious talent in India to a key player for the United States national team. This detailed biography explores his journey, highlighting his early life, youth and domestic career, challenges, move to the USA, international achievements, and personal evolution, providing a holistic view of his impact on the sport.
Early Life and Discovery
Harmeet’s cricketing roots trace back to Mumbai, where he was spotted at age nine by Shivaji Park Gymkhana, a renowned cricketing hub. His natural ability as a left-arm spinner drew praise from coaches like Padmakar Shivalkar, a former Mumbai left-arm spinner, and Praveen Amre, a former India batsman and Mumbai coach. This early mentorship was crucial, and by 16, Harmeet received the Ramakant Achrekar Scholarship, named after the legendary coach who mentored Sachin Tendulkar, underscoring his potential.
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Youth Career and Leadership
Harmeet’s leadership shone early, captaining Mumbai’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams and leading them to victory in the Cooch Behar Trophy in 2011-12. On the international stage, he represented India in the Under-19 World Cups of 2010 and 2012. While his 2010 campaign saw an expensive economy rate, he redeemed himself in 2012 in Australia, finishing with an economy rate of 3.02, one of the best, and was instrumental in India’s title win. His youth stats include leading wicket-taking performances, such as in the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy for Tripura, with 13 dismissals in eight matches.
Domestic Career in India
Harmeet made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the 2010-11 season, marking it with a spectacular seven-wicket haul against Himachal Pradesh. In his third match, he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul against Tamil Nadu. However, his domestic career was marked by inconsistency, playing for Mumbai, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tripura without long-term stability. His IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals in 2013 was brief, playing one match, bowling four overs for 34 runs, and taking one wicket, reflecting the challenges of securing a consistent role.
Challenges and Controversy
Harmeet’s career faced a significant hurdle in 2013 when investigated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the IPL spot-fixing scandal. Cleared of wrongdoing, the experience, coupled with limited domestic opportunities, contributed to his decision to seek new horizons. His frustration with Indian cricket, having played only nine matches for his home state, built pent-up emotions, leading to his eventual move.
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Move to the USA and Major League Cricket
In September 2020, Harmeet moved to the United States, driven by a desire for a fresh start in a growing cricketing nation. He joined the Seattle Thunderbolts in Minor League Cricket (MiLC), where he quickly made an impact. His performances led to being drafted first overall by the Seattle Orcas in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2023, becoming the first player and domestic player in MLC history. Under coach Praveen Amre, he helped the Orcas reach the finals in 2023, showcasing his all-round abilities.
International Career with the USA
Harmeet qualified for the United States national team by residency, making his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut on April 7, 2024, against Canada. His breakthrough came in his first T20I against Bangladesh, scoring 33 runs off 13 balls, earning Player of the Match. His contributions have been vital in USA’s series wins against Canada and Bangladesh, with stats showing 24 T20I matches, 235 runs (highest 38), and 24 wickets (best 4/18). He was selected for the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by USA and West Indies, highlighting his global stage presence.
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Bowling Evolution and “Harmeet 2.0”
Harmeet’s bowling has undergone notable changes since moving to the USA. Initially known for loopy deliveries and flight, he has refined his action to become faster through the air, developing a potent yorker, often referred to as “Harmeet 2.0.” This evolution, noted in articles from 2023, has made him a more versatile bowler, capable of troubling batsmen in different conditions, enhancing his all-rounder role.
Personal Traits and Coaching Dynamics
Harmeet is recognized for his resilient and determined attitude, traits evident in overcoming setbacks. He has worked with Team USA’s Head Coach Stuart Law, appreciating the freedom to express himself, which has boosted his performance. His ability to communicate in Hindi with bowling partners like Yasir Mohammad and Nosthush Kenjige, leveraging team diversity, has been a strength, especially in multicultural squads.
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Statistical Overview
Below is a table summarizing Harmeet’s key career statistics, reflecting his evolution as a player:
| Format | Matches | Runs Scored | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 24 | 235 | 38 | 24 | 4/18 | 6.90 |
| ODI | 14 | 216 | 59 | 14 | 2/20 | 4.04 |
| First-Class | Multiple | – | – | Leading | 7/-(Debut) | – |
| IPL | 1 | – | – | 1 | 1/34 | – |
Conclusion
Harmeet Singh’s journey from a Mumbai prodigy to a USA cricket star is a narrative of talent, perseverance, and reinvention. His early successes, challenges in India, and subsequent rise in the USA, particularly through MLC and international cricket, underscore his adaptability. As of April 13, 2025, he continues to represent the United States, with his experience and skills poised to drive cricket’s growth in the country, especially with upcoming events like the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
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