India, Dec. 7 -- US men's cricket team captain Monank Patel is heading into the ICC T20 World Cup next year with more than one big milestone on his mind. The Gujarat-born cricketer, who solemnised his relationship with Himani Gohil last month in a civil wedding, is now planning a traditional wedding in Anand, Gujarat for later this month. Their relationship began during the 2024 Major League Cricket season: "We met through Instagram. She liked one of my pictures, I messaged her, and we started talking." They met after last year's T20 World Cup and the connection deepened instantly. The traditional wedding will be an intimate event. "Just family and friends. No cricketers, just a few of my teammates," Monank reveals. On the field, the cricketer is preparing for high-pressure clashes for the World Cup in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka: "We played the last World Cup in the US, and this year have India and Pakistan in the group again. Playing in India is always exciting. And playing against India and in front of the Indian crowd will be a great moment for every player." Friends with Indian player Akshar Patel, Monank adds they've already exchanged light-hearted messages after the draw. "He said he was looking forward to bowl against me," he laughs....