(April 9, 2024) At the age of 19, Tanveer Sangha became the second person of Indian origin to make it to the Australian men’s national cricket team. In these years, he played two ODIs and seven T20Is – one in 2023 where he showcased his mettle during a faceoff between Australia and India securing two vital wickets. Now at 22, the cricketer, who plays for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, is eyeing to strengthen his game after a series of injuries. Born in Sydney to Joga Singh, a taxi driver, Tanveer’s journey from a young enthusiast to a standout spinner in Australian cricket is nothing short of inspiring.
Tanveer Sangha
Carving a niche
His father Joga hails from a village near Jalandhar in Punjab and moved to Sydney in 1997. A farmer back in India, he immigrated to the continent on a student visa. After working on a farm, he started driving a taxi, something he still does. His mother Upjeet, on the other hand, is an accountant. Growing up in Sydney, Tanveer’s passion for cricket ignited at the tender age of 10. Encouraged by his father, he began honing his skills on the cricket pitch. By the time he turned 12, Sangha was already making waves in local adult cricket teams, showcasing a talent and determination beyond his years. “Tanveer is a natural sportsperson. He played volleyball, rugby, and kabaddi growing up,” his father had said in an interview. It was while attending East Hills Boys High School, where cricketers like Steve and Mark Waugh did their schooling, that he started playing the sport and it gave him access to a good cricket club.
It was in 2018 that Tanveer Sangha was spotted by Australian-Pakistani leg spinner Fawad Ahmed in Melbourne during the U-16 series against Pakistan. “Since that day, he has been my mentor,” said Tanveer. At age 13, his father steered him towards spin bowling. “He is a very good batsman. He batted five times in the U-19 World Cup and had a strike rate of 85.26. To avoid a shoulder injury, I suggested he take up spin bowling instead of pace bowling,” Joga had said. But it was during the 2020 U-19 World Cup that he gained prominence by emerging as Australia’s leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets, catapulting him into the spotlight. The same year, he made his first-class debut in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.
A stunning debut
In the Big Bash League (BBL) season 2020-2021, Tanveer earned his debut for the Sydney Thunder, marking a significant milestone in his budding career. As the youngest Australian to take four wickets in a men’s T20 International (T20I) match, Tanveer’s achievement is proof of his skill and potential.
However, his journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. As a young cricketer of Indian origin in Australia, he has had to navigate through societal expectations and stereotypes. Yet, his dedication and resilience have propelled him forward, earning him respect and admiration within the cricketing community. Especially in 2023 when he was one of the standout players in the Baggy Greens victory against South Africa, even captain Mitchell Marsh couldn’t stop himself from praising the young cricketer. Tanveer made his remarkable debut after leg spinner Adam Zampa fell ill before the match. Seizing the opportunity, he made the best out of his debut performance. “He was in the gym when he found out and he was pretty chilled and said he’s ready to go and it appears that he keeps it very simple, which will hold him in good stead for top-level cricket. His demeanor is fantastic. I’m proud of him to come in and have a debut like that. He’s got a great smile, so hopefully we see it for many years to come,” Marsh had said.
Tanveer’s rise to prominence is also indicative of Australia’s multicultural landscape, where individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the nation’s sports. As cricket continues to serve as a unifying force, his achievements reinforce the importance of inclusivity and representation within the sport.
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Looking ahead, his journey in cricket is poised for further milestones and accomplishments. Having played more white-ball matches for Australia than red-ball matches at first-class level, he hopes to add a Baggy Green to his limited-overs playing caps. “I definitely think all three formats are up for play. There’s plenty of time still. Everyone says I’m young. I’m 22. You’re not going to peak until late 20s,” he said, adding that he is still learning and trying different variations. “I’m just trying to think long-term rather than short. It’s a long career if I do make it and I do get through all of it.”
Tanveer’s ascent in Australian cricket exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and diversity. From humble beginnings to becoming the youngest Australian to achieve a remarkable feat in men’s T20I cricket, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.
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