Rushil Ugarkar: From Missouri to MLC Glory – The Rising Star Who Led MI New York to Victory

Rushil Ugarkar, a young cricketer who once quietly trained with legends, has now etched his name in the history of Major League Cricket. In the final of MLC 2025, Ugarkar emerged as the unexpected hero, guiding MI New York to a thrilling five-run win over Washington Freedom. Tasked with defending just 12 runs in the last over against two of the most dangerous batters in the game—Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips—Ugarkar displayed nerves of steel. He conceded only six runs, dismissed Maxwell on the fourth delivery, and was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.

The 22-year-old speedster isn’t a complete stranger to the big stage. He has a strong connection to the Mumbai Indians, having served as a net bowler for the franchise during IPL 2025. While training with elite pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, Ugarkar soaked in the finer aspects of fast bowling. His stint with the Mumbai Indians became a turning point, sharpening his skills and boosting his confidence. These lessons came full circle in the MLC final, where he bowled one of the most composed overs under pressure in the tournament’s history, claiming two vital wickets.

Born on June 30, 2003, in Missouri, Rushil's cricketing journey took root in India. He moved to Bangalore for his schooling and began his formal cricket training there. He also attended the prestigious National Cricket Academy, showing early signs of promise. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to return to the United States, temporarily halting his Indian cricketing stint. Back in the US, he continued to pursue his passion and began playing for Silicon Valley in Minor League Cricket in 2021. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the MI New York squad in 2024, and he was retained for the 2025 season—a decision that paid off spectacularly in the final.

Rushil’s final over was nothing short of dramatic. With Maxwell and Phillips at the crease, the odds were against him. Yet, he delivered three tight balls for just two runs, took Maxwell's wicket on the fourth, bowled a dot ball, and conceded only a boundary on the final delivery when the game was already sealed. It was a display of precision, discipline, and calmness rarely seen in a young fast bowler on such a big stage.

From training with legends in Mumbai to clinching victory in America, Rushil Ugarkar’s journey is a testament to perseverance, preparation, and belief. As he continues to grow, cricket fans around the world will surely be watching closely.