MLC 2025: Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s Journey from Bengaluru to Bay Area Stardom with USA Cricket
In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, few stories are as captivating as that of Sanjay Krishnamurthi, a 22-year-old all-rounder who transitioned from dreaming of donning the Indian jersey to carving a niche for himself in the USA. Originally hailing from Oregon but raised in Bengaluru, Krishnamurthi’s journey is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the game. Today, as he prepares for the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season with the San Francisco Unicorns, his story inspires a new generation of cricketers in a country where the sport is steadily gaining traction.
Krishnamurthi’s early years were steeped in the cricketing fervor of Bengaluru, where he honed his skills at a local academy and represented Karnataka at the U-16 level. Inspired by India’s iconic 2011 World Cup triumph, he harbored ambitions of playing for the national team. However, reality soon set in. ‘I always dreamed of playing for India, but I knew the competition was immense. There are so many talented players, and I had to be realistic about my chances,’ he reflected. Complicating matters further, his status as an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cardholder barred him from representing Indian state teams after a rule change, effectively shutting the door on his dream. Additionally, relinquishing his American citizenship for a potential Indian cap would have been a long and uncertain process.
The turning point came in 2019 when Krishnamurthi, leveraging his American citizenship, earned a trial with the nascent Major League Cricket. What began with camps in Mumbai and Houston extended into a prolonged stay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this period that he decided to embrace his future in the USA, a decision that has since paid dividends. ‘Over here, I can pursue a college degree while playing high-level cricket. I’m happy with where I am,’ said Krishnamurthi, who is currently studying computer science at San Jose University.
Balancing academics and professional cricket in a country where the sport lacks collegiate infrastructure is no small feat. ‘It’s strange being a high-level athlete at university but not playing for the university team. We don’t have cricket fields like we do swimming pools or football grounds,’ he noted. Despite these challenges, Krishnamurthi has excelled, amassing 345 runs and 6 wickets in 14 ODIs and 9 T20Is for the USA. His domestic performances are even more impressive—872 runs and 54 wickets in 42 matches for the East Bay Blazers in the Minor League Cricket paved the way for his MLC debut.
Now in his second season with the San Francisco Unicorns, Krishnamurthi made an impact in MLC 2024, scoring 169 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 136.29, including a career-best unbeaten 79*. Sharing the dressing room with Australian stalwarts like Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, and Marcus Stoinis, under the guidance of coach Shane Watson, has been transformative. ‘Playing alongside someone like Cummins, who’s Australia’s captain and one of the best in the world, was a chance to measure myself. It gave me immense confidence,’ he shared.
As the Unicorns, runners-up in the previous season, gear up to face defending champions Washington Freedom at the iconic Oakland Coliseum in the Bay Area for their MLC 2025 opener, Krishnamurthi is thrilled to play on what he considers ‘home turf.’ ‘Having friends, family, and local club cricketers in the stands is going to be special. The Bay Area, with its large South Asian population, offers a great opportunity to build excitement around MLC,’ he enthused. The Oakland Coliseum, the largest stadium in the MLC, could well be the stage for Krishnamurthi to further cement his place in American cricket folklore.
Yet, Krishnamurthi is acutely aware of the broader challenges facing cricket in the USA. ‘We need to focus on grassroots and high school cricket. Even playing on AstroTurf or baseball grounds is fine if it gets younger players involved,’ he suggested. With many current MLC players originating from overseas, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing homegrown talent. ‘We want more players born and raised in the USA to come through the ranks with proper support at every level. It’s a complex issue that needs time, thought, and investment.’
Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for cricket’s growth in the United States. From the dusty grounds of Bengaluru to the bright lights of the Bay Area, his journey underscores the power of perseverance and adaptability. As MLC 2025 kicks off, all eyes will be on this young all-rounder to see how he shapes the future of American cricket—one run, one wicket, and one dream at a time.