HYDERABAD: The 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century saw a huge influx of software graduates into the USA. According to the Brookings Institution report, the Telugu states sent over 26,000 students between 2008 and 2012, most pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics or STEM fields. From a modest 87,543 in 2000, the Telugus number surged to 644,700 by 2020.
These Telugu speaking Indian Americans slowly but steadily not only conquered Silicon Valley but also started dominating the American landscape in various fields. They are now one of the largest groups of Indian Americans. After their exploits, it is the next generation Indian Americans, who are now competing with the mainstream and trying to ‘own’ the ethos. And what better way to do it than using cricket as a soft power to make inroads into the American sporting arena. The Team USA cricket board has a sub-continent flavour to it with most of the members being immigrants.
