Sanjay Krishnamurthi: The US-Born Student Who Lit Up MLC with Four Consecutive Sixes Off Rachin Ravindra
When the San Francisco Unicorns clashed with the Washington Freedom in a high-octane Major League Cricket (MLC) encounter at the Oakland Coliseum, most eyes were fixed on Finn Allen, the New Zealand dynamo known for his brutal hitting. But amid the explosive action, a 22-year-old Computer Science student from Bengaluru made a statement that turned heads across the cricketing world. Sanjay Krishnamurthi, a relatively lesser-known name, smashed New Zealand international Rachin Ravindra for four consecutive sixes in the 8th over, injecting energy, fire, and perhaps destiny into his cricketing journey.
This performance didn’t just help his team dominate the match—it also cast a spotlight on Krishnamurthi’s remarkable journey from an Indian hopeful to a rising force in American cricket.
A Game-Changing Over
- In the 8th over of the match, with the scoreboard ticking and pressure mounting, Krishnamurthi took on Rachin Ravindra.
- Four straight deliveries vanished into the stands, all in the long-on and deep mid-wicket regions—proof of Krishnamurthi’s sharp reading of Ravindra’s angles.
- Ravindra, an established international spinner, kept pitching into Krishnamurthi’s arc, unaware he was feeding the batsman’s strength—his flicks and mid-wicket lofts.
- The left-arm spinner found no mercy on a flat pitch that had already shown no sympathy for bowlers.
These sixes weren’t just random blows. They were calculated, practiced shots from a cricketer who had spent years shaping his skills away from the limelight, hoping for a moment like this.
Batting Brilliance and Match Impact
While Allen’s monstrous 151 off 51 balls grabbed headlines, Krishnamurthi’s 36 off just 20 balls stitched a crucial 88-run partnership with him in only 37 deliveries. Their alliance helped San Francisco reach an intimidating total of 269/5 in 20 overs—a mountain that Washington Freedom couldn’t even begin to scale.
- Washington were bundled out for 146 in just 13.1 overs, handing the Unicorns a massive 123-run victory.
- Despite Allen’s record-breaking feat of hitting 19 sixes, Krishnamurthi’s fireworks ensured he carved his own space in the headlines.
A Journey Unlike Most Cricketers
Krishnamurthi’s backstory is not of a typical Indian cricketer grinding through state and IPL ranks. Instead, his journey was carved out between academic lectures, overseas ambitions, and relentless training.
- Born in Arizona, United States, Krishnamurthi moved to Bengaluru with dreams of playing cricket for India.
- He played for Karnataka’s U16 team, a stepping stone many Indian greats have used to launch their careers.
- However, his US citizenship became a major barrier. As an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), he was ineligible to represent the national team.
Rather than fighting an uphill legal and bureaucratic battle, Krishnamurthi chose clarity and commitment—he returned to the US, this time with his cricket dream still burning, but aimed in a different direction.
Building His Future in the USA
- In 2019, Krishnamurthi attended trials for the USA national setup and began playing in the country’s developing cricket structure.
- Simultaneously, he enrolled at San Jose University in San Francisco, balancing cricket practice with a Computer Science degree.
His professors supported his dual pursuits, often allowing flexibility around assignments and attendance due to his cricketing commitments. It was an arrangement that showed how deeply invested Krishnamurthi was in both his dreams.
Last year, he earned an MLC contract with the San Francisco Unicorns—a moment that validated years of silent grind.
Playing With the Best to Test the Best
- Krishnamurthi’s first MLC season brought him face-to-face with international stars like Pat Cummins, which he called “an incredible experience.”
- “Until that point, I didn’t quite know where I stood at the highest level. But sharing the dressing room with Cummins gave me confidence,” he said.
This wasn’t just about hitting a few sixes. It was about realizing he belonged in the elite tier of the sport, despite not coming from the traditional Indian or Australian cricket pipeline.
Honest Reflections from a Young Cricketer
In candid moments, Krishnamurthi has spoken honestly about his ambitions and reality.
“Yeah, from the moment I started playing cricket in India, the goal was to play for India. But I think I was also realistic. There are so many other players. And if it doesn’t happen, what is my life going to look like?”
That realism, combined with his unwillingness to go “half-heartedly” into anything, shaped a young man who today represents the USA in 14 ODIs and nine T20Is. These aren’t just numbers—they’re the fruits of passion, clarity, and relentless work.
A Symbol of Modern Cricket’s Global Reach
Sanjay Krishnamurthi represents more than just a player with a bat and a dream. He symbolizes the expanding global footprint of cricket—where countries like the USA are no longer just spectators but serious contenders.
- His development shows how cricket can be pursued in parallel with higher education, outside the South Asian traditional pathways.
- His MLC performance also proves how American domestic leagues can now host and elevate young international-level talents.
What’s Next for Krishnamurthi?
- With age on his side and form blossoming, Krishnamurthi is set to become a mainstay in the USA’s white-ball plans.
- If MLC continues to grow and attract global viewership, Krishnamurthi’s performances—especially ones like this—will find a wider, deserving audience.
As the league expands and USA cricket enters a golden phase of investment and visibility, Krishnamurthi’s ability to balance maturity with fearlessness could make him the face of a new era.
Key Takeaways
- Performance: 36 off 20 balls with four consecutive sixes off Rachin Ravindra.
- Background: US-born, trained in India, but returned to represent USA due to citizenship limitations.
- Education: Computer Science student at San Jose University, juggling studies with pro cricket.
- MLC Impact: Secured a contract with San Francisco Unicorns and has impressed with key cameos.
- Career Path: Already played 14 ODIs and 9 T20Is for USA.
- Personal Philosophy: Grounded realism, high commitment, and full belief in taking chances.
Krishnamurthi’s story is a lesson in adaptability. Not every journey to international cricket follows the straight road, and sometimes, the detours take you exactly where you’re meant to be. In a sport filled with prodigies and privilege, his path shines as a beacon for the passionate, the patient, and the persistent.