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Canada's Dhaliwal: Scoring T20 World Cup fifty in cricket-crazy India is special

Canadian batter Navneet Dhaliwal described scoring a fifty in the T20 World Cup in India as a special achievement, given the country's deep passion for cricket. He highlighted the contrasting challenges of being a cricketer in Canada, where players must often balance the sport with other professions. Dhaliwal credited his formative years in Punjab and his life in Canada for teaching him focus and resilience, respectively. He expressed a sense of completion, having begun his cricket journey in India and now potentially concluding it on the World Cup stage there.

Key Points: T20 WC: Scoring fifty in India is special, says Canada's Dhaliwal

  • Fifty in India carries added significance
  • Balancing cricket with work in Canada
  • Learning resilience from Punjab roots
  • World Cup a huge stage for non-Test nations
2 min read

T20 WC: Scoring fifty in the tournament in India is special, says Canada's Dhaliwal

Canada batter Navneet Dhaliwal reflects on his fighting fifty against South Africa and the unique challenge of playing cricket for a non-Test nation.

"Scoring fifty in World Cup cricket while playing in a nation with such a massive population where cricket is like a religion is special. - Navneet Dhaliwal"

New Delhi, Feb 13

Veteran Canada batter Navneet Dhaliwal said hitting a fifty in the group-stage clash against South Africa in the Men's T20 World Cup carried added significance as it came in a country where cricket is adored a lot. Dhaliwal's fighting fifty went in vain as South Africa beat Canada by 57 runs in Ahmedabad.

Canada are now looking to get their first win over UAE at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday afternoon. "Scoring fifty in World Cup cricket while playing in a nation with such a massive population where cricket is like a religion is special. Every second person plays here. The grinding is what I learned from Punjab and playing in India. The passion people have for the game helped me survive those tough periods in Canada, both in cricket and in my professional life."

"A bit of a discipline problem we have a little bit for sure, but when you need someone to stand in the middle and fight for their country, you see the true spirit of a Punjabi. They might be hard to control sometimes, but they'll fight until the end," Dhaliwal told broadcasters ahead of the clash.

Dhaliwal reflected on the contrasting cricketing cultures in India and Canada, noting the challenges of balancing sport with professional life coming in a non-Test playing nation. "Cricket in Canada is different from what you expect in Test nations. In the big nations, players are well-paid, but in Canada, you have to work.

"You have a family to support, and it isn't easy juggling your passion with your profession. But the World Cup is a huge stage, especially in India. I promised myself I'd keep fighting through every game to perform and get selected, and that's why I'm here today."

The right-hander, who began his cricketing journey in Punjab before emigrating to Canada, said his adopted country has shaped his resilience. "I think Canada taught me that focusing on only one thing isn't always the right path. In India, I learned to focus strictly on being a cricketer and doing it regularly. But in Canada, you have to learn to juggle different responsibilities."

"Canada has treated me really well; it's become my home now. Coming back here, it feels like the circle is complete. I started in India, and it looks like I am going to finish in India too."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His point about balancing work and cricket in Canada is so real. We take our cricket ecosystem for granted sometimes. Hats off to him for fighting through it all and scoring a fifty on the biggest stage. More power to associate nations!
R
Rohit P
"The grinding is what I learned from Punjab" – this line hit home. The passion for cricket in our state is unmatched. It's wonderful to see a son of the soil, even if playing for another country, acknowledging his roots and doing us proud. Best of luck against UAE!
S
Sarah B
While I admire his spirit, I do wish the article had asked him more about the future of cricket in Canada. These stories are great, but we need to hear more about the structural challenges and what the ICC is doing to help. Just a thought.
V
Vikram M
This is what the World Cup is about! Not just the big teams, but these stories of grit. Playing in front of Indian crowds must be a dream for any cricketer. Hope he gets a warm welcome in Delhi for the next match.
K
Karthik V
"I started in India, and it looks like I am going to finish in India too." Feels poetic. The circle of life for many NRIs. Wishing him and Canada all the best. The tournament is richer for having players like him.

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