Rushil Ugarkar became the hero of Major League Cricket 2025 Final when he defended 12 runs in the final over against Washington Freedom, helping MI New York clinch their second MLC title. The 22-year-old American pacer bowled the crucial final over against Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips, conceding just 6 runs while dismissing Maxwell to seal a dramatic 5-run victory at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Born in Missouri but trained in India, Ugarkar’s journey from a Mumbai Indians net bowler to an MLC champion exemplifies the growing opportunities in American cricket. His composure under pressure and ability to execute slower deliveries perfectly made him the Player of the Match in the MLC 2025 final.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rushil Jayraj Ugarkar |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 2003 |
| Age | 22 years (2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 inch (178 cm) |
| Weight | 76 kgs |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Playing Role | Bowler |
Early Life and Cricket Education
Rushil Ugarkar was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 30, 2003, but his cricket journey began when his family moved to India. He attended Ebenezer International School in Bengaluru, where he first picked up cricket and began attending training sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) alongside fellow student Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who is a part of the USA senior men’s cricket team.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point in Ugarkar’s life, as both he and Krishnamurthi moved back to the United States with the aim of representing the USA national cricket team. This decision would eventually lead to his breakthrough in American cricket.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Minor League Cricket Career
Upon returning to the USA, Ugarkar started his domestic cricket career with the Silicon Valley Strikers in Minor League Cricket in 2021, though he struggled to make a significant impact initially. His fortunes changed when he switched to the Dallas Mustangs for the 2023 season.
The 2023 season became a breakthrough year for Ugarkar as he played a crucial role in helping Dallas Mustangs win the Minor League Cricket title, taking 17 wickets throughout the tournament. His impressive performance caught the attention of Major League Cricket scouts.
East Bay Blazers
Before his MLC breakthrough, Ugarkar also had a stint with the East Bay Blazers, where he continued to develop his bowling skills and gained valuable experience in American cricket conditions.
Major League Cricket Career
2024 Season – Rookie Year
Ugarkar was picked as a rookie by MI New York for the 2024 MLC season following his excellent showing with Dallas Mustangs. However, his first season was challenging – he played just two matches and failed to take a wicket, leaving him determined to prove himself.
2025 Season – Championship Glory
The 2025 MLC season marked Ugarkar’s transformation from a struggling rookie to a championship hero. He took 11 wickets from 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.98, showing significant improvement in his bowling.
| MLC Career | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 2 | 8 |
| Wickets | 0 | 11 |
| Economy Rate | Not Available | 8.98 |
| Best Figures | Not Available | 2/31 vs TSK |
MLC 2025 Final Performance
Ugarkar’s defining moment came in the MLC 2025 final against Washington Freedom. With 12 runs needed from the final over, captain Nicholas Pooran handed the ball to the young American. Ugarkar held his nerve against two world-class batsmen:
- Final Over Stats: 6 runs conceded, 1 wicket (Glenn Maxwell)
- Match Figures: 2/32 in his 4 overs
- Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
- Award: Player of the Match
IPL Connection
Ugarkar was also selected as one of the net bowlers for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2025. This experience proved invaluable as he got to interact with star players like Rohit Sharma, who offered him tactical insights. In a memorable conversation, Rohit asked Ugarkar where he would bowl to Virat Kohli, and the youngster’s response about getting him caught at slips impressed the veteran captain.
International Prospects
Though Ugarkar is yet to make his debut for the USA cricket team, his performances in MLC 2025 have certainly put him on the radar of the national selectors. As American cricket continues to grow, players like Ugarkar represent the future of the sport in the United States.
Career Highlights
- MLC 2025 Champion with MI New York
- Player of the Match in MLC 2025 Final
- Minor League Cricket Champion with Dallas Mustangs (2023)
- Mumbai Indians net bowler for IPL 2025
- Bowling figures of 2/31 vs Texas Super Kings in MLC 2025
Recent Achievements and Recognition
Ugarkar’s heroic performance in the MLC 2025 final has earned him widespread recognition. Cricket fans and experts have praised his composure and ability to execute under pressure. His coach Shane McClenaghan expressed pride in the young bowler’s development, while teammate Trent Boult highlighted his nerve and composure.
The final over heroics have established Ugarkar as one of the most promising young talents in American cricket, with many expecting him to play a key role in USA’s cricket development.
Future Prospects
With American cricket gaining momentum and the success of MLC, Ugarkar is well-positioned to become a key figure in USA cricket. His experience bowling alongside international stars and learning from coaches like Lasith Malinga (MI New York bowling coach) will serve him well as he continues to develop his skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rushil Ugarkar’s age and birthplace?
Rushil Ugarkar is 22 years old, born on June 30, 2003, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
What is Rushil Ugarkar’s height and weight?
Rushil Ugarkar stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs 76 kg, giving him an ideal physique for fast-medium bowling.
What was Rushil Ugarkar’s role in MLC 2025 final?
He bowled the final over defending 12 runs against Washington Freedom, taking Glenn Maxwell’s wicket and conceding only 6 runs to help MI New York win by 5 runs.
Has Rushil Ugarkar played for the USA national team?
Not yet, but he moved back to the USA from India with the aim of representing the national team and is considered a future prospect.
What are Rushil Ugarkar’s MLC 2025 statistics?
He took 11 wickets from 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.98, with his best performance being 2/32 in the final.
What is Rushil Ugarkar’s connection with Mumbai Indians?
He was selected as a net bowler for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2025 and learned from players like Rohit Sharma, which helped his development.