Since the launch of Minor League Cricket (MiLC) in 2021, few batters have embodied consistency and impact quite like Sujith Gowda of the East Bay Blazers. After becoming the first batter in MiLC history to cross the 2,000-run mark in the league’s history, Gowda looks back on his journey with pride, but also with the hunger to achieve much more.
“When the league started, it was very exciting and special for me to be able to continue professional cricket in America,” he recalls. “Since then, it’s only gotten better each year.”
The Mindset
For Gowda, the 2,000-run mark is more than a number — it reflects years of preparation, persistence, and drive. This mindset has enabled him to push for more.
“I have a lot of respect for this sport, and I cannot play it being underprepared or half-baked,” he said.
Being as ambitious as he is, there is always a strong discipline and consistency to him that keeps him going. “It’s the will to win tournaments for my team, and the drive to make it all the way to MLC, and in international cricket for USA, that keeps me going and striving to stay at the top of my game.”
Life at the Blazers
From the five seasons he has played in MiLC, Gowda has played for the Blazers in three of them, and he reflects fondly on his experience with the franchise.
“Definitely one of the best franchises with great management, and a young team atmosphere with a group of guys who are hungry to do well and win it for the team,” he said. “At the Blazers, we’re a fun group of boys with very chill vibes and lots of banter. Most importantly, the respect I get as a cricketer and as a person from the entire team and the management gives me total warmth.”
Although they narrowly missed last year, Gowda has set his eyes on going all the way this year. “With the Blazers, my goal is to win the title for my team and then try to win as many as I can in the coming years as well.”
Memorable Innings
Asked to pick the innings that best define him as a batter during his time with the Blazers, Gowda didn’t settle for two — instead, he named three that stand out. Two of them were from the 2024 season: a master-class knock of 94 against the Seattle Thunderbolts in the league stage and a commanding 77 in the playoffs opener against the Morrisville Raptors.
While the 2024 season was his best, Gowda listed his resilient knock of 84 against the Silicon Valley Strikers from MiLC’s inaugural season as one of his favorites. “Although we ended up on the losing side unfortunately, I was driving the batting unit and carried the chase deep, which is why that innings still stands out for me,” he recalled.
The MLC Experience
Though Gowda is yet to make his MLC debut on-field, he was part of the competition at Washington Freedom camp in 2023 — an experience he emphasizes was invaluable for his growth.
“Being part of MLC makes a big difference because it helps you think about the sport at the highest level. Observing and learning from top players pushes you to improve, and that experience translates directly into MiLC,” he said about the exposure and environment at MLC.
MiLC: The Pathway to Cricket in America
For Gowda, the importance of MiLC in U.S. cricket’s future is beyond question.
“MiLC is the main pathway for most cricketers to make it to the U.S. men’s team and Major League Cricket. It’s evident when you see how so many new and young talents are first spotted here before going on to play in MLC and for USA.”
Having been part of the league since the first season, he has noticed considerable improvement. “The standard of the league has gone very high. It’s super competitive now, with a lot of pros in every team,” he elaborated.
Eyes on the Future
While steadily stepping up the ladder and achieving milestones, Gowda’s eyes are firmly on a bright future in American cricket.
“It definitely is a happy space, but for me it’s still just the start. I have a lot to accomplish, and I believe everyone will witness that in the coming days,” he concluded.
