- Nosthush Kenjige is a professional cricketer for the USA, born on March 2, 1991, in Auburn, Alabama.
- He moved to India as a child, developed his cricket skills, and returned to the USA in 2015.
- Kenjige is known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and left-handed batting, debuting internationally in 2017.
- He plays for MI New York and has competed in various international tournaments, including the ICC World Cricket League.
Early Life and Background
Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige was born in Auburn, Alabama, where his father worked at Tuskegee University. His family moved to Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India, when he was less than a year old, shaping his early exposure to cricket. Growing up in India, he attended The Lawrence School in Lovedale, Tamil Nadu, and played for school and university teams, including Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru.
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Cricket Career and Achievements
Kenjige switched to spin bowling at age 13 due to his size and developed his skills at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket academy. Returning to the USA in 2015, he balanced a career in bio-medical engineering with cricket, eventually joining the USA national team. He debuted in 2017 at the ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Uganda, later making his ODI debut against the UAE in 2019 and T20I debut against Canada in 2024. He’s known for his control, turn, and fielding, playing for teams like MI New York and Dallas Mustangs.
Personal Life and Recent Updates
Living in Brooklyn, New York, a cricket hub, Kenjige continues to be a key player. His mother’s act of packing a cricket ball in his bag when he moved back to the USA symbolizes his unexpected cricketing path. As of April 2025, he remains active, contributing to recent matches against Nepal and Canada.
Detailed Biography of Nosthush Kenjige: A Comprehensive Survey
Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige, born on March 2, 1991, in Auburn, Alabama, USA, is a professional cricketer who has emerged as a significant figure in the United States national cricket team. His journey, marked by international moves, career shifts, and cricketing achievements, reflects a blend of personal passion and professional dedication. This survey note provides an in-depth look at his life, career, and recent developments, drawing from various reliable sources to ensure a comprehensive overview.
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Early Life and Background
Nosthush’s early life began in Auburn, Alabama, where his father was employed as an agricultural researcher at Tuskegee University . However, when he was less than a year old, his family relocated to Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, India, where his father now runs a coffee farm. This move immersed Nosthush in the cricketing culture of India, a country where cricket is a national obsession. He attended The Lawrence School in Lovedale, Tamil Nadu, and represented the school cricket team across different age categories, laying the foundation for his cricketing career.
Growing up in the small town of Ooty, Nosthush credits his early coaches for his development, as noted in the USA Cricket official profile. At age 13, recognizing his physical limitations for fast bowling, he switched to spin bowling, a decision that proved pivotal. He further honed his skills at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC) academy in Bangalore, playing for district, university, and zonal teams, including Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru.
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Return to the USA and Career Transition
In 2015, Nosthush returned to the United States to pursue a career in bio-medical engineering, initially settling in Washington, D.C., before moving to New York after six months. While working as a Biomedical Engineer, he continued to engage with cricket, meeting players through squash leagues in New York. His talent was recognized when he was invited to the USA Combine in 2016 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, leading to his selection in the 30-man U.S. squad in July 2016. Although he missed the initial cull in September, his skills control of flight, turn of the ball, and electric fielding kept him on the selectors’ radar, earning him a spot in the final 14-man squad for the 2017 ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Uganda.
International Cricket Career
Nosthush made his debut for the U.S. national team in May 2017 during the 2017 ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Uganda, marking the beginning of his international career. His performances quickly established him as a vital member, known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and left-handed batting. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on December 8, 2019, against the United Arab Emirates, and his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut on April 7, 2024, against Canada.
His career highlights include being the leading wicket-taker in the 2018–19 ICC World Twenty20 Americas Qualifier, with 12 dismissals in six matches in Morrisville, North Carolina. He has represented the U.S. in numerous tournaments, including the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two in Namibia and the 2019–20 Regional Super50 tournament. In July 2019, he signed a three-month central contract with USA Cricket, recognizing his contributions.
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Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Beyond international cricket, Nosthush has played for several domestic teams, showcasing his versatility. He has been part of the Dallas Mustangs (2021–2023), MI New York (2023–present), MI Emirates (2024), and Michigan Cricket Stars (2024–present). His selection for the Minor League Cricket tournament in June 2021 further highlighted his growing reputation in the U.S. cricket scene. Playing for MI New York, owned by the Mumbai Indians franchise, has provided him with exposure to high-level cricket and competition alongside global stars.
Playing Style and Contributions
Nosthush is known for his exceptional control of flight, turn of the ball, and electric fielding, attributes that have earned him a spot in the national team . His left-arm orthodox spin bowling has been crucial in taking wickets, while his left-handed batting adds depth to the team. Recent performances, including matches against Nepal and Canada as of April 2025, underscore his ongoing contribution to the team’s success.
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Personal Life and Anecdotes
Nosthush currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, a major hub for cricket in the U.S., where he has made a home for himself . His personal journey is marked by a poignant anecdote: when he moved back to the USA in 2015, he didn’t pack cricket equipment, intending to focus on engineering. However, his mother slipped a single cricket ball into his bag, an act he later saw as a portent of his cricketing future . He is known for quotes like, “The Opportunity is more than a Dream,” and “My life has always revolved around cricket,” reflecting his deep connection to the sport.
Recent Developments and Current Status
As of April 13, 2025, Nosthush remains an active and integral part of the U.S. cricket team. Recent news highlights his participation in international matches, including series against Nepal and Canada, where he has contributed significantly . His role as an all-rounder has been crucial in strengthening the U.S. team’s depth and competitiveness on the global stage, with ongoing involvement in domestic leagues like Major League Cricket.
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Statistical Overview
To provide a clearer picture of his career, here is a table summarizing key statistics and milestones:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nosthusha Pradeep Kenjige |
| Birth Date | March 2, 1991 (age 34 as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Auburn, Alabama, United States |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
| ODI Debut | December 8, 2019, vs UAE (cap 28), |
| Last ODI | November 2, 2024, vs Nepal |
| T20I Debut | April 7, 2024, vs Canada (cap 30), |
| Last T20I | October 20, 2024, vs Nepal |
| Domestic Teams | Dallas Mustangs (2021-2023), MI New York (2023-present), MI Emirates (2024), Michigan Cricket Stars (2024-present) |
| Career Highlights | Leading wicket-taker in 2018–19 ICC World Twenty20 Americas Qualifier, 12 dismissals in 6 matches |
This table encapsulates his cricketing journey, highlighting key milestones and contributions.
Conclusion
Nosthush Kenjige’s story is one of resilience, talent, and an unwavering love for cricket. From his early days in Alabama and India to his rise as a key player for the USA national team, he has proven that with dedication, cricket can thrive even in non-traditional cricketing nations. His ongoing contributions as of April 2025 continue to inspire aspiring cricketers, making him a pivotal figure in the growth of cricket in the United States.
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