MUMBAI: After dedicating three years to pursuing enhanced playing opportunities in the United States, former Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Shubham Ranjane has achieved a significant milestone: his first call-up to the USA national cricket team. He is set to participate in a Tri-Series hosted in the UAE, competing against the host nation and Nepal, starting this Sunday in Dubai.
Ranjane’s inclusion marks him as the third ex-Mumbai player to represent the USA, following in the footsteps of left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar and left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh.
Since relocating to the US in 2022, Ranjane quickly made his presence felt, playing a pivotal role in the Seattle Thunderbolts’ MiLC title victory with his impressive all-round skills. The 31-year-old, known for his powerful hitting and reliable medium-pace bowling, showcased his talent for the Seattle Orcas in MLC-2024. His strong performances led to him being the No. 1 draft pick for the Texas Super Kings.
He certainly repaid that faith during MLC-2025, where, batting in the middle-order, Ranjane amassed 268 runs across 11 matches at an exceptional average of 67.00, including two half-centuries, all while maintaining a striking strike rate of 160.47.
This call-up to the USA team culminates an extraordinary six months for Ranjane, during which his reputation has soared. He also secured contracts in major leagues like the SA20 with the Joburg Super Kings and the ILT20 league with Sharjah Warriorz. Interestingly, both Netravalkar and Harmeet will not only be his teammates in the US squad but also at the Sharjah Warriorz.
Ranjane carries a proud family cricketing legacy as the third generation of his family to play the sport. His grandfather, Vasant Ranjane, represented India in seven Tests between 1958 and 1964. His father, Subhash Ranjane, was a former Maharashtra fast bowler who also played for India A. Shubham himself made his first-class debut for Mumbai in November 2016 against Gujarat, a team that featured Parthiv Patel as captain and Jasprit Bumrah.
In his first-class career, Ranjane has played 15 matches, scoring 595 runs at an average of 31.31 and taking 12 wickets at 37.83, which includes a notable five-wicket haul.
Another former Delhi batter, Milind Kumar, who moved to the US in 2021, is also part of the US squad and a teammate of Ranjane’s at the Texas Super Kings in MLC. The USA currently holds the second position in the ICC WCL 2 table. While the team aims to build on its strong showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the US & West Indies, the broader landscape of cricket in the US is currently clouded by administrative challenges, including USA Cricket’s suspension by the ICC.
Squad: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh (vc), Saurabh Netravalkar, Rushil Ugarkar, Nosthush Kenjige, Milind Kumar, Smit Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Juanoy Drysdale, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shubham Ranjane, Andries Gous.