Sarbjeet Ladda, the veteran leg-spinner for the Baltimore Royals, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first bowler in Minor League Cricket history to claim 100 wickets. For a player who has been part of the competition since its inception in 2021, the achievement stands as both a personal triumph and a symbol of consistency across five seasons.
Reflecting on the milestone, Ladda was proud of his achievement,“Competition is getting tougher every year, and the 100-wicket mark reflects my commitment and dedication towards the game. To be the first among such talented peers shows that I must be doing something right, and also be a little fortunate.” He remarked.
The Key to Consistency
In a format that increasingly favors batters, Ladda’s ability to stay relevant and effective comes down to his willingness to evolve. “T20 has completely changed the face of cricket, and as a bowler I have to keep up with this new era while still enjoying the longer format at heart,” he said. Over the years, he has fine-tuned his skills to remain competitive, adding new “wrinkles” to it while never losing sight of the basics. “I keep putting in the practice to sharpen my skills.” He added.
It’s also about the mindset , which has been evident throughout his MiLC journey. Starting with the DC Hawks, later rebranded as the Baltimore Royals, Ladda has been ever-present for his side. “Over the past five years, I’ve played every single game for my team, which hopefully reflects my fitness, commitment, and passion for the game,” he noted.
MiLC Building Pathways for the Future
For Ladda, MiLC is beyond just a T20 league. He sees it as the bedrock of cricket’s growth in the U.S. “MiLC is the de facto first-class cricket in the USA,” he explained. “Many young players look forward to MiLC as the natural next step toward Major League Cricket. The grassroots programs are taking flight, and very soon we’ll see more domestic talent shining on bigger stages.”
The Baltimore Royals’ leg-spinner described his personal experience with the league as a “phenomenal” journey . “After moving from India, MiLC gave me the platform to display my skills at the highest level of cricket in the U.S.” He added.
Mentoring Younger Generation at Grassroots Level
As one of the most experienced players in the league, Ladda is fully aware of his role in guiding and inspiring younger cricketers coming through. As Head Coach at BRSS Cricket Academy, owned by Baltimore Royals’ Rajit Passey, Ladda spends significant time working with the next generation of spinners. “It’s my pleasure to impart and share the art of leg-spin bowling with the next generation. I’m always open to any youngster approaching me for tips or technical suggestions to improve their bowling,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Despite accomplishing a significant milestone in MiLC history, Ladda remains grounded about the road ahead. “I don’t have personal goals in terms of records because I’ve already been fortunate to play at the highest levels of domestic cricket in India, including the IPL. That said, I would be very happy to represent the USA National Team if the opportunity arises.”
For now, he remains focused on contributing to his team and enjoying the game that has defined much of his life. “When I look back, I feel very happy and content with my career. Last but not least, I feel blessed and grateful for all of my accomplishments.” He concluded.
