Media365
New Delhi: Abhimany Lamba’s cricket journey has taken him from representing Rajasthan in Indian domestic circuit to the Texas Super Kings (TSK) in the Major League Cricket (MLC).In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia. com, the fast bowler reveals why he left India in search of better opportunities, the challenges of adapting to life in the United States, and how part-time coaching helped him sustain his cricket dream.Lamba also reflects on the growing cricket infrastructure in America, the increasing involvement of young players and parents, and the impact of MLC. With USA eligibility now within reach, the Rajasthan pacer says his ultimate ambition is to represent the USA on the international stage.
I am grateful to Texas Super Kings for showing faith in me and giving me opportunities. I just want to contribute as much as I can for the team.
Abhimanyu Lamba
ExcerptsTell us about your experience with the Texas Super Kings. What does it mean to represent such a historic franchise? Ever since we started watching the IPL, it has been a dream to play for a franchise like the Chennai Super Kings. We have always heard about the culture and atmosphere within the team. I always wanted to contribute in the IPL, but that opportunity never came.So, when the same Super Kings franchise picked me for Major League Cricket, it was one of the best moments of my life. After moving to America, my dream was to play in the MLC and represent the Super Kings franchise here. I’m grateful to Texas Super Kings for showing faith in me and giving me opportunities. I just want to contribute as much as I can for the team.
Abhimanyu Lamba of Texas Super Kings during match 18 of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 4 between LA Knight Riders and the Texas Super Kings held at the Fairplex LAKR Cricket Ground, Pomona, California, United States of America (USA) on the 3rd July 2026. (Photo by Ron Gaunt / Sportzpics for MLC)
Your journey has been fascinating. You played domestic cricket in India before moving to the USA. Why did you make that decision? Was it purely because of cricket? Cricket was the only reason behind the move. I played domestic cricket for Rajasthan until 2021, but opportunities were limited. There were already several fast bowlers ahead of me, and I wasn’t getting enough backing from the state setup. The Rajasthan Premier League was also discontinued, which made things even more uncertain.When you’re 26 or 27 years old, you don’t know where your career is heading. That’s when you have to take difficult decisions.I came to the USA for a tournament, and around the same time I was performing well in domestic cricket in India but still wasn’t getting opportunities. I spoke to some senior Rajasthan players and captains, and they advised me that if I wanted a long career, I should either move to another state or try something different. That’s when I decided to come to the USA.
The first year was extremely difficult. I stayed in St. Louis and after two or three months, I became homesick. Life here was very different from India.
Abhimanyu Lamba
Was your family supportive of such a big decision? Yes, they supported me throughout. I’m the only son, so naturally it wasn’t easy for them. But they knew how much cricket meant to me. They encouraged me to continue chasing my dream and asked me to give it a proper shot in the USA. That support gave me the confidence to move.The move must have been difficult. Did you ever think about returning? Absolutely. The first year was extremely difficult. I stayed in St. Louis and after two or three months I became homesick. Life here was very different from India. In India, after practice, teammates spend time together and there is always activity around you. In America, everyone is busy with work. People leave for work in the morning, return home at night and spend weekends with their families. Initially, I found that culture difficult to adjust to. I also had to learn cooking and manage everything on my own. It wasn’t easy, so I went back to India after a few months.The following year, I came back mentally prepared. I knew I had to cook, live independently and make sacrifices if I wanted to pursue cricket here.
One thing I really like is the sporting culture here. During the summer holidays, children are encouraged to play sports, and many youngsters from the Indian community are taking up cricket. Parents are also playing a huge role in supporting young cricketers. Travelling across the USA isn’t easy because distances are massive, but families continue making that effort
Abhimanyu Lamba
Did you have to work outside cricket to support yourself?Yes. I started part-time coaching at a cricket academy in St. Louis. I worked with players aged between 15 and 20 years alongside head coach C.D. Thompson and Sunil Vishwanathan. Watching our academy players progress and represent higher levels was a proud moment. Coaching also helped me settle in and remain connected to the game while continuing my own cricket.
Abhimanyu Lamba has played domestic cricket for Rajasthan in India. (Photo: TSK)
You captain a Minor League Cricket team and coach young cricketers. How do you see cricket growing in the USA? Cricket has grown tremendously over the last few years. When I first arrived, facilities were the biggest challenge. In many states, winter lasts six or seven months and outdoor cricket isn’t possible because of snow. Players have to practise indoors, which isn’t the same as training on proper grounds. But things have changed significantly. There are dedicated cricket grounds now in Dallas, Los Angeles and St. Louis, and more stadiums are being built.The USA Under-19 team qualified for the World Cup, women’s cricket is growing rapidly and there are many more tournaments such as the Houston Open, Atlanta Open, USPL and the US Open.
My aim is to become eligible to represent the USA. Under the eligibility rules, I have to stay here continuously for three years. I’ve already spent almost two years here and want to continue playing franchise cricket while working towards USA eligibility.
Abhimanyu Lamba
One thing I really like is the sporting culture here. During the summer holidays, children are encouraged to play sports, and many youngsters from the Indian community are taking up cricket. Parents are also playing a huge role in supporting young cricketers. Travelling across the USA isn’t easy because distances are massive, but families continue making that effort. The board is also investing in youth cricket, so the future looks promising.Do you still dream of playing international cricket? Definitely. When I joined the MLC, a lot of people asked me about my next goal. My aim is to become eligible to represent the USA. Under the eligibility rules, I have to stay here continuously for three years. I’ve already spent almost two years here and want to continue playing franchise cricket while working towards USA eligibility.I’ve discussed it with my parents and family because it means staying here for a longer period. My sister has been living in America for over a decade and has helped me immensely through this journey. With cricket becoming part of the Olympics and the sport growing globally, representing the USA would be a huge honour. I’m looking forward to becoming eligible and contributing to USA cricket.
