When 16-year-old Abhinav Singh moved from Delhi’s cricket fields to Beijing’s baseball diamonds, he brought more than just his athleticism—he carried the spirit of Indian sports culture. Now a top pitcher at WAB, the India-born athlete shares how cricket’s legacy fuels his baseball success, why pitching felt surprisingly natural, and how he bridges two similar yet distinct sports in Beijing’s international school scene.
Born in Bihar, Abhinav spent his first 13 years in Delhi, where he began playing cricket at age eight. Two years ago, his family’s move to Beijing upended his sporting routine—but not his passion.
Adjusting to life in China was both thrilling and daunting. Language proved the steepest hurdle, followed by cultural differences and unfamiliar social norms. Baseball entered the picture out of necessity: with no cricket programs available, Abhinav gravitated toward its closest counterpart. “Batting and pitching aren’t identical to cricket, but I’d say they’re 50% the same,” he noted.
Playing on a diverse team in a cricket-scarce country offered unique rewards and frustrations. While he cherishes bonding with teammates from varied backgrounds, finding practice spaces—or fellow cricket converts—remains a challenge.
Initially optimistic, Abhinav soon confronted the sports’ technical divides. The lighter baseball and mandatory fielding glove (not used in cricket) demanded quick adaptation. Yet his cricket foundation became an unexpected asset. “Throwing a heavier cricket ball builds arm strength. Switching to baseball made fast throws effortless,” he explained. Teammates agreed: “My friend said, ‘You’re throwing so fast—you should pitch!’”
Encouraged, he trained formally as a pitcher, rising to prominence at WAB and competing in inter-school tournaments.
For Abhinav, cricket and baseball’s contrasts extend beyond rules to their cultural heartbeat. “I’ve loved cricket since birth,” he said, recalling how India’s 2011 World Cup victory electrified him. Like millions of Indians, he feels the sport pulse in his blood—yet baseball now shares that space.
Images: Abhinav Singh
