My name is Syon Kurdekar. I was born in Los Gatos, California, and currently live in Fremont, California. I am a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont. I have represented the Blazers at the Under-15 level, as well as the Under-15 Team in national tournament, and currently play for the East Bay Blazers. Cricket has been a major part of my life, and I have had the opportunity to compete at a high level, including representing my team nationally.

Can you tell us about your cricketing journey and how you got started in the game?
I started playing cricket at a young age, and over time, it grew from something I enjoyed into a passion. I spent years developing my skills through club cricket, tournaments, practice sessions, and competition against strong players. Along the way, I have been fortunate to receive recognition through Man of the Match awards, Best Batter and Best Wicketkeeper honors. Representing my team at the national level and finishing second was also a very important experience for me. Cricket has taught me discipline, patience, teamwork, and how to handle both success and setbacks.
Syon Kurdekar, who represents the East Bay Blazers, reflects on his Minor League Cricket debut, his development through youth cricket and his ambitions to reach higher levels of the game.

Can you describe the emotions you experienced when you stepped onto the field for your first Minor League Cricket match?
Walking onto the field for my first Minor League Cricket match was a very special moment. I was excited but also a little nervous because I knew I was competing at a higher level against experienced players. At the same time, I felt proud because all the practice, sacrifices, and years of hard work had led to that moment. Once the game started, I focused on staying calm, trusting my preparation, and contributing to the team.

Was there a particular moment during your debut that stood out as especially memorable?
The entire experience of stepping onto the field for my first Minor League Cricket match was memorable. One of the biggest moments for me was realizing that I was competing at this level alongside players I had looked up to. Being part of the team environment and experiencing the intensity and professionalism of the match made my debut something I will remember for a long time.

What aspects of your game were you most satisfied with during your debut, and what would you like to improve?
I was most satisfied with my ability to stay composed and compete at a higher level than I had experienced before. I also learned a lot about the importance of making good decisions under pressure. Moving forward, I want to become more consistent in every aspect of my game, especially my decision-making, running between the wickets, and fielding. I want to use every opportunity to identify areas where I can improve.

What are your personal goals for the remainder of the 2026 season, and what do you hope to contribute to your team's campaign?
My goal for the rest of the 2026 season is to continue improving with every game and become a more reliable player for my team. I want to contribute through my performances, energy, and attitude while helping the team wherever I am needed. More than focusing on individual statistics, I want to make an impact in important moments and help my team have a successful season.

Has your Minor League Cricket experience changed your ambitions in any way, particularly regarding Major League Cricket or opportunities to represent the USA?
The experience has definitely motivated me to continue pursuing cricket at the highest level possible. Playing Minor League Cricket has shown me what it takes to compete professionally and given me a better understanding of the level I need to reach. It has made opportunities such as playing in Major League Cricket and potentially representing the USA feel like realistic goals that I can work toward through continued improvement, discipline, and strong performances.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you, whether in terms of playing conditions, travel, preparation, or the quality of opposition?
The biggest adjustment has been the overall level of professionalism and intensity. Every player is experienced and competitive, so there is very little room for mistakes. Preparation is also extremely important because you have to be ready both physically and mentally for every match. Adapting to different conditions and learning from more experienced players have been valuable parts of the experience.

How would you describe the team environment, and what has it been like sharing the dressing room with experienced and established players?
The team environment has been a great learning experience. Being around experienced and established players has allowed me to learn not only about cricket but also about preparation, professionalism, communication, and how to handle pressure situations. Sharing the dressing room with these players has motivated me to raise my own standards and understand what it takes to perform consistently at this level.

What message would you like to share with young cricketers in the USA who are working toward making their own Minor League Cricket debut?
My biggest message would be to stay patient and keep working, even when progress feels slow. Focus on improving your skills every day, and don't be afraid to learn from your mistakes. Take every opportunity to play, compete, and learn from the players around you. Most importantly, enjoy the game and stay committed to the process. If you continue putting in the work and taking every opportunity seriously, you will give yourself the best chance to reach the next level.