When Yash Gohil picked up a cricket bat sometime in 2012, it was just for fun. Thirteen years later, the sport has become Gohil’s passion and his dreams are bigger than ever - to earn a place in Kenya’s national men’s senior team, play in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), and feature in county cricket in the United Kingdom.
"It (playing cricket) started more as social cricket and just playing for fun, not much emphasis on going professional but more so as for fun,” says the 18-year-old wicketkeeper and batsman.
“My long-term goals are firstly to play for the Men’s National Team for Kenya as well as to play abroad and try my very best to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) and to play county cricket in the UK.", he told Nation.
Kenya’s Under-19 Men’s Cricket Captain Yash Gohil in action during the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-Overs Under-19 men’s World Cup Africa Division One qualifier in Lagos, Nigeria last month.
Photo credit: Pool
He draws inspiration to pursue the lofty ambitions from the challenge of the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-Overs Under-19 men’s World Cup Africa Division One qualifier in Lagos, Nigeria last month, where he led Kenya to a third-place finish. Topping the six-team standings with 10 points, Tanzania clinched the sole ticket to the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Namibia came second with eight points while third-placed Kenya garnered six points.
According to Gohil, who locally plays for the Nairobi Gymkhana in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association, the opportunity to lead Kenya in the qualifiers and represent the team in other major tournaments has equipped him with valuable skills and confidence to aim high in the sport.
“My experience in the World Cup qualifiers was invaluable. I learned the importance of staying calm under pressure and making the most of every opportunity, no matter how small,” says the Premier Academy alumni, who made his international debut in October 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria during the Africa Division Two qualifiers for the 2024 U19 men’s World Cup (50 overs).
“The competition was intense, and we faced some tough situations, but it helped me understand how to keep the team composed and focused. I also gained insights into what preparation works best for me and the team as a whole,” adds the youngest of three siblings.
Despite Kenya’s struggles with batting and handling pressure during last month’s qualifiers, Gohil is among the players who stood out with flashes of brilliance. His leadership was particularly evident during Kenya’s impressive bowling displays. The teenager singled out his 31 runs not out and three dismissals behind the stumps in Kenya’s four-run loss to Namibia as one of his best international performances.
IPL is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the World thanks to its significant financial incentive to players, exposure and prestige, and highly competitive matches. Middle-order batsman Tanmay Mishra remains the only Kenyan to have ever played in the IPL after he joined the Deccan Chargers for the 2012 season.
On the other hand, Collins Obuya made history in 2003 by becoming the first indigenous Kenyan to play county cricket when he joined English side Warwickshire. Gohil knows too well that following in the footsteps of the duo won’t be a walk in the park.
“My plan as of now is to try and improve and become better and more defined. It is the only way I will succeed in achieving my dreams of playing for Kenya and abroad,” he observes, thanking his parents for their unwavering support both emotionally and financially throughout his cricket journey.
Former Kenyan cricketers Thomas Odoyo, and Joseph Angara, and current players Rakep Patel and Dhiren Ghondaria are role models to Gohil who began playing cricket at 13 in school.
“I’ve learned so much from every experience. What I love most about cricket is the strategic nature of the game—the way every ball, every decision, and every partnership matters. Cricket is also about teamwork, and being part of a team with such diverse and talented individuals is incredibly fulfilling. It’s the camaraderie and shared goal of success that keeps me motivated,” he says.
