This is the story about how South African-born Josh Kind managed to grow his love for cricket in the United States and became captain of the USA U19 World Cup side, writes Abhai Sawkar.

The associate teams’ road to qualification for this year’s Under-19 World Cup involved taking part in the regional tournaments. The USA U-19s had to compete against Canada, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands teams in order to potentially earn a berth in the big event.

After multiple training camps, the selectors announced the USA squad, with Josh Kind as captain. Originally from South Africa, the charismatic batting all-rounder embraced the leadership challenge.

Cricket has been his bread and butter since his very early days, and he’s built on his experience from his land of birth to his new adopted home.

“Being born and raised in South Africa cricket was something that was a part of our lives. From as early as I can remember there was always some sort of cricket being played on TV,” Kind said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“My friends and I would play all sorts of games with a bat and ball growing up. It was something we did that was so part of our culture that it just felt natural.

“As soon as I was old enough I joined our local club at probably 6 or so years old and I just fell in love with it. I played cricket for my school and club all the way through until we moved.

“In that year right before we moved here I ended up making the provincial side for Eastern Gauteng. Through those years it became clear that cricket was the one sport that stood head and shoulders above the rest for me. I guess you could say that’s where it all started.”

Kind and his family relocated to the US seven years ago. At first, it seemed like his cricket was starting to slow down, owing to the fact that it’s not so mainstream in America.

Fortunately, after the break, he linked up with a nearby club team and it was back to business. At the time, the burgeoning club scene was just beginning to gain more momentum. Since then, there’s been no looking back and he’s continued to ply his trade in the Midwest Cricket League.

Looking back at his experiences in South Africa, he’s found it reasonably straightforward to adjust to the standard of cricket in the US. However, even though it isn’t as relatively common, Kind is ambitious and very optimistic about the progress and potential of cricket in America.

“We moved to the US in January of 2013. I ended up taking one year and a couple of months off from cricket mainly because we weren’t aware that much cricket was played here at all when we first came,” he added.

“After that year we ended up connecting with a youth team in St. Louis. I would play with them a couple of times a year when the national youth tournaments came around.

“It was through that team that we also learned about USA Cricket and the combines they were putting in place for their national teams. But since about 2015 I’ve been playing all my club cricket in the Midwest Cricket League which is a local men’s league here in Kansas City.

“When it comes down to cricket is still very much the same regardless of where it is played, so it hasn’t been too challenging to adjust to the small things. But the biggest difference by far is that cricket is not as popular here as it is back in South Africa.

“There’s obviously a few differences that come with it not being played as consistently. I think a large part of that is due to how logistically challenging that can be because of how large the country is and how spread out one person can be from another.

“But seeing where cricket is now I really believe that over time with more exposure cricket can become a top sport here in the US. It’s a very exciting time to be coming through the system right now because of all the potential cricket has here.”

Over the course of time, Kind has looked up to a wide range of skilled cricketers and hasn’t exactly had a prominent role model. His eclectic taste in cricket has inspired him to face difficulties head-on and lead his teammates by example.

“For most of my life, I’ve never had just one cricketer in particular that I look up to. I love watching and learning from good quality players regardless of who they are and what team they play for,” Kind explained.

“So really anyone who is able to execute at a high level is the type of player I tend to look up to. Naturally, though, I try to learn from players who are either similar to how I play or are doing things on the field that I want to be doing,” he explained.

“The more I watch Ben Stokes the more I’m amazed at what he’s able to do on the cricket field. He impacts the game in literally every aspect – He’s batting better than anyone else right now, his fielding is second to none, and he’s also been one of England’s most impactful bowlers in recent years.

“You don’t need to look any further than this past test against the West Indies to see what he’s capable of. As an allrounder myself I can’t help but want to have that same influence on any team I play for.”

Leading up to the big games, it was a tough road to make the cut. It took two sessions and considering the fact that he didn’t get a chance to get to know the other contenders very well, the captaincy nomination came as a pleasant surprise.

“The selection process for the U19 team was a pretty long one mainly because of how big the US is and how the club cricket here is still developing,” said Kind.

“For me, it started in Houston where I took part in one of the combines, from there I was invited to Florida for a squad of 40 tryouts, then to North Carolina several weeks later for the last trial which included around 24 players.

“Thankfully I was fortunate enough to be picked in the final 14 that would then travel to Canada for the qualifiers. Once the team was finalized and together we were probably together for 2 out of the next 3 months doing camps and travelling.

“It was after the first camp (which was held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado) that Coach Anand Tummala approached me about the captaincy position.

Then again, Kind wasn’t so sure about whether he’d be able to take up the task, but following some deliberation, he was ready to make the big step forward and take hold of the reins.

“Initially I was quite hesitant because I knew the responsibility that came with it. It had been a while since I had last captained, and I had gotten to a point where I felt like I could focus better on the game if I didn’t have to think about all the decisions a captain would need to make,” he explained.

“But I ended up taking the position and I can say without a doubt that I have absolutely zero regrets. It was such an honour to lead the team while representing our country. Not only did I end up really enjoying it, but it also forced me to look at the game from a different point of view so I learnt a lot through it that I otherwise wouldn’t have.

“I got to a point where I was actually very comfortable leading on the field and felt that it was forcing me to bring more to the table because I had more responsibility to the team.

“I don’t think I’ve grown as a cricket player as much as I did through that period of time while captaining. We had such a great group of guys that there wasn’t really a dull moment ever.

“Out of it all, I would highlight our tour to Grenada as probably my favourite experience. It was such a memorable time from the beginning to end, on and off the field. Like I said though, just being able to lead them and represent the US was really something special for me.”

While the results weren’t favourable in the regional qualifier, taking part in his team’s campaign was second to none for Kind. Not only was this his first tournament in the U19 colours, but it was also a memorable time leading his peers on the field.

It would’ve been amazing to go back to his country of birth with Team USA, but a tough loss to Canada brought their foray to an end. However, as cliche, as it sounds, that end is just a new beginning.

“I am obviously extremely grateful for the opportunity to play in Canada for the qualifier. Growing up I’ve always dreamed of playing for my country at the highest level. So being able to wear the red, white, and blue on a stage like that was such a great experience and honour.

“With that being said, we went there with a much bigger goal than just participating in the qualifiers. In all our preparation we had the World Cup in mind.

“Of course, we never overlooked the qualifiers, but we believed with the talent we had put together that we had a unique opportunity to do something special in South Africa.

“So yes I am grateful, but overall we were all disappointed as a team because we knew we were capable of so much more than what we just achieved.

“I don’t think I could pinpoint one moment that I could say was my favourite. It was my first ICC tournament so the whole thing was pretty surreal.

“That experience was one I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon. Being able to spend those weeks with the team playing the game we love while representing our country, is something every cricketer works for.”

Getting to know his teammates well helped him as a communicator and established a strong team culture as well.

Despite the outcome, the experience in itself has brought about a plethora of positives. It’s very much a mental game for Kind, leadership requires tactical prowess and it’s something he’s continuing to work on as and when opportunities arrive.

“It’s been an absolute honour to captain this team. We had an unbelievable group of guys which made it that much easier and more enjoyable.

“There were always guys looking to step up and lead whenever the game needed them to, and each player on the team was very capable of doing what needed to be done when asked of them which makes a huge difference in the game but then also for me as the captain.”

“When it comes down to it, you’re still playing cricket and trying to perform at your highest level whether you’re captain or not. The only thing is the added aspect of responsibility as a captain. The guys I played with made it very easy to captain because like I said, each one was very capable of whatever I needed from them.

“Being able to surround yourself with people who will support you is very key as a leader and I was very fortunate to have that from both players and coaching staff. But on the flip side, it can be quite challenging because every decision you make can directly affect the result of the game.

“There’s a part of you always thinking and planning so you can put your team in the best position possible but there’s the other part that has to stay focused on the present so you don’t slip up. Juggling that was probably the most challenging thing for me, but it taught me a ton about the game because I was forced to look at everything through a different lens. I will always be grateful for the time I had captaining that team.”

The coronavirus pandemic has been severe across the country, but with restrictions gradually beginning to ease up at home, Kind anxiously awaits more on-field action.

“I think it’s safe to say that things have been pretty difficult for everyone. Right now it’s just about rolling with the punches until we can come out this thing on the other side. It has just been a matter of adjusting and moving forward where we can. Thankfully Kansas City hasn’t been too bad, but it’s still had its fair share of cases just like everywhere else.

“Most places have opened back up to a certain extent which I’m very thankful for. Cricket and some other sports are slowly coming back which is a nice relief with everything going on right now. But other than that we can only do so much right now, it’s just about pushing through and focusing on what we can control until things get better.”

The recent progress for Team USA has been a harbinger for further development of the game nationwide. Kind is excited for what’s to come ahead and the ultimate dream is making it to the senior setup in due course. From club level to U-19 level, mental toughness and constant hunger to maximize potential have been his key strengths.

“Right now I am focusing on cricket. It is still my dream to play professionally and with the upcoming minor and major league here in the US, and gaining ODI status I feel like there’s no time like now to pursue cricket as a career.

“Obviously the whole COVID-19 ordeal has put a slight halt to that but thankfully we’re moving toward playing again soon. That’s what’s on the cards for me these next couple months.”