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Cricket is making quite a noise in America as the USA U-19 team qualified for the 2026 World Cup to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year. The American boys, driven by desi flavour, became the final (16th) team to qualify for the mega event in which the Indian team is the most successful with five titles to their credit.
India and Australia, the previous edition’s finalists, along with Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies, directly qualified for the tournament. The remaining five spots were awarded to the winners of the regional qualifiers.
The USA team had to compete against regional teams like Canada, Bermuda and Argentina and had to be consistent performers across the double round-robin format. The Americas regional qualifier took place from August 7–17, 2025 at the Param Veers Sports Complex in Rydal, Georgia, Atlanta.
Head coach Vincent Vinay Kumar, former captain of the Andhra Ranji Trophy, spearheaded the American challenge. “We won 17 games out of 19 with the USA U-19 team. The boys showed tremendous attitude to win games from tough situations which is a positive sign and they are getting used to implementing plans and strategies chalked for the game,” a thrilled Vincent told CricBlogger from the USA.
Vincent, whose passion lies in coaching, has a no-nonsense approach and that is what endears him to his wards. Speaking of his time with the team, he said, “A lot has gone in preparing the team for the qualifiers – from arranging training camps to managing travel and protocols. Many factors have been instrumental in the team’s success.”
A team man, Vincent is ever ready to share credit with his colleagues. “Our coaching team, analysts, physiotherapists, and trainers played crucial roles in preparing the team,” he said.
It hasn’t been an easy journey but the team responded well to the challenges. “Yes. Qualifying for the U-19 World Cup is a milestone for both USA cricket and my coaching journey. It validates years of planning,” he said.
“Participation in international lead-up tournaments — such as CSA Cubs Week in South Africa and the CWI Rising Stars U-19 Championship in the West Indies — helped sharpen the squad.
Winning the CSA Cubs Week and a strong showing in the Caribbean Rising Stars event provided invaluable experience for the team,” Vincent, who has a rich experience of coaching several teams in India including the Andhra Ranji Trophy team, said.
“Shared goals, disciplined preparation, and unity helped us remain focused. Strategic conditioning and skill development, fitness programs, focused skill training, and data-driven game planning made a significant difference,” the 56-yearold coach added.
The coach, however, doesn’t want to sit back and relax. He says the real test lies ahead. He is right now busy preparing a roadmap for the team. “Organizing extended training camps and acclimatization tours in conditions similar to Zimbabwe/Namibia is the top priority now,” he said.
Vincent also wants the team to participate in high-level practice matches or invitational tournaments so that they gain more exposure and experience ahead of the January-February tournament.
“Our journey to qualification has been shaped by strategic planning, international exposure, planned training, and administrative support. Facing and overcoming challenges has now become a way of life for the boys. Since I took over the responsibility, we have won 17 matches out of 19 played and that is a matter of immense pride. However, it gives me greater joy that the boys are inculcating the winning mindset,” Vincent, who is assistant coach of the USA men’s team, said.
Coach Vincent, a perfect sports personality. Quality coach, skills, hard work, passion and a good listener.
Most importantly, his confidence does not mean that he has all the answers, but he will be ready to face all the questions. That’s the best quality he has.
Very true, Anuradha garu. He has been a very committed cricketer and coach.
🙏🏻 thank you