For Sri Harsha, a final-year master’s student, the love of cricket runs much deeper than just enjoying a sport. The game has been a profound teacher, shaping the Central Michigan University student into a natural leader on and off the pitch.

Harsha serves as the sports coordinator for CMU's Indian Student Association (ISA). But his relationship with cricket dates back to his childhood in India.

Though his parents had prohibited him from playing as a young kid to concentrate on his studies, they finally allowed it after his ninth grade when physical trainer teacher convinced them of Harsha's potential.

That fateful first tournament during his college years cemented Harsha's obsession with cricket. As an untested rookie, he was named "Man of the Match" for his batting prowess, kick-starting a journey that would impart invaluable leadership qualities.

"Cricket is the ultimate team game requiring all 11 players to contribute," Harsha said. "It taught me how to motivate teammates, think strategically under pressure and push through tough challenges and difficulties."

He said that there were high-stakes scenarios needing 20 runs in the final over to win. Cricket gave him the mental focus and composure to calmly find solutions when everything was on the line.

Those skills have been invaluable at CMU. Harsha said the game's demanding nature helped in enhancing his performance in intense group projects and presentations. This year, he gained leadership abilities as a captain leading his own team to the ISA tournament finals.

Despite being in America, far from his cricket-crazed Indian roots, Harsha has built a tight community of teammates who share his unwavering passion. He follows matches worldwide, Indian superstars like Rohith Sharma and international players like England's Ben Stokes. Playing twice with his friend’s weekly is a "stressbuster" that keeps him grounded.

When Harsha arrived at CMU, he found a lack of cricket infrastructure. He and his fellow Indian students improvised, using baseball courts for their games. Despite the challenges, they persisted, bonding over their shared love for the sport.

One of the most significant challenges they faced was the lack of quality equipment. While CMU provided basic gear, it often fell short of their needs. Harsha said that investing in better equipment could not only enhance the cricket experience for students but also raise CMU's profile in the sporting world.

Beyond the Indian community, Harsha saw cricket as an opportunity for cultural exchange. Through impromptu matches, he made friends with American students, bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding.

Moving forward, Harsha aspires to see CMU establish an official university cricket team to elevate its popularity within the university and beyond.

"This game teaches you to be a complete team player physically and mentally," Harsha said. "With university backing, we can share those profound life lessons by coaching and mentoring others."

By organizing official tournaments and promoting the sport, he said that cricket can become a unifying force, enriching campus life and leaving a lasting impact.

“Cricket isn't just a game—it's about making friends, bringing people together, and leaving behind a strong bond at CMU,” Harsha said.