One of the best stroke players in America, is actually in Canada, …….attending York University !
Everyone who saw the left-handed Jai Patel bat at the 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship was awed by his beautiful strokeplay, exquisite shots and consistent scoring.
He reminded me of my younger brother Errol Jodah, who batted left-handed, and though taller, of Alvin Kallicharran. His own favorite left-handers are Adam Gilchrist, Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara. Tendulkar is his favorite righthanded batsman.
Jai Patel scored 53, 48, 44 and 37 and then in the Finals blasted 48 out of 78 for the opening partnership with Khushroo Wadia to get York University off to a winning start. Patel was adjudged the Championship’s MVP, and together with Wadia (who later got selected to represent Canada in 2011) was a dynamic opening pair that was instrumental in York University’s Championship run. Patel also bowls fast.
Jai returned with York University to the 2011 championship and again was a delight to watch bat,but his highest score was only 31. Recognising the need to play more cricket to keep his skills up, he started playing in the Toronto & District League.
Jai Patel was born in UAE of Indian parents. He repesented UAE in the Asia Cup at the Under 15 level scoring 93 in the Finals vs Bahrain. He went on to represent UAE at the Under 17 and Under 19 level against Ireland, Scotland and Malaysia.
In 2007 Jai Patel was selected for a High Performance Course at the MRF Academy, Chennai, India, from June 25
th to July 4
th, 2007
:
” A 10-day stint at the academy, which comprised of net sessions and video analysis. It was quite an experience to meet Dennis Lillee and T A Sekar who coached us and trained us for the ACC U 19 World Cup Qualifiers.”
Whilst there Jai got the opportunity to face Mitchell Johnson and Irfan Pathan in the nets..
Jai also captained the American University in Dubai before his family moved to the United States, New York and South Carolina. He said :
I wanted to go to University in America and play cricket at the same time but Cricket in USA wasn’t developed and is just starting to grow. I wasn’t able to find the level of cricket I was hoping for but that is changing in America. This is the reason why I’m at York University in Canada.
We asked Patel what was it like to play in his first American College Cricket Championship (in 2010) and be a major factor in York University winning the Chanderpaul Trophy?
Playing most of my cricket in Dubai, I really enjoy playing in Florida. It was a great honor and pride being part of the 2010 York University Winning Team. The Spirit of the game was at the best level and everyone played as a team.
The MVP award that was presented to me just gets me hyped and excited to show-off my talent. After the tournament we went to Miami – South Beach to celebrate our winning moments. It was a Life Time experience for some and recognition for the others.
The 2012 Spring Break Championship tournament will grab the attention of many others around the world . American College Cricket has led the way by first webcasting in 2010 and 2011 and now being on TV in USA & Canada. 
Currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Management Jai wants to be in the Hotel Management business eventually, but likes the idea of being a cricketer.
For entertainment other than cricket Jai listens to Armin Van Buuren A State of Trance, likes the Fast & Furious movies and Big Bang Theory. He also plays squash and golf.
I’ll admit that I look forward to seeing the artistry of York University’s Jai Patel as he paints a masterpiece with his bat this American College Cricket Spring Break Championship.
by Lloyd Jodah
