New Delhi: Abhimany Lamba’s cricket journey has taken him from representing Rajasthan in the Indian region to Texas Super Kings (TSK) in the Major League Cricket (MLC).You are in exclusive communication with the Times of India. com, the fast bowler reveals why he left India in search of better opportunities, the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States, and how part-time coaching helped him achieve his cricketing dreams.Belt also highlights the growing development of cricket in America, the increasing number of young players and parents, and the influence of the MLC. Having qualified for the USA now, the Rajasthan pacer says his main goal is to represent the USA on the international stage.
I thank the Texas Super Kings for believing in me and giving me the opportunity. I just want to give as much as I can to the team.
Abhimanyu Lamba
SectionsTell us about your experience in Texas High Kings. What does it mean to represent such a broad consensus? Ever since we started watching IPL, it has been a dream to play for a franchise like that Chennai Super Kings. We have been hearing about culture and culture within the team. I always wanted to contribute in the IPL, but that opportunity never came.So, when the same Super Kings franchise selected me for Major League Cricket, it was the best moment of my life. When I moved to America, my dream was to play in the MLC and represent the Super Kings franchise here. I am grateful to the Texas Super Kings for showing their faith in me and giving me the opportunity. I just want to give as much as I can to 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 Fairplex LAKR Cricket Ground, Pomona, California, United States of America (USA) on 3rd July 2026. (Photo by Ron Gaunt / Sportzpics for MLC)
Your visit has been wonderful. You played cricket for India before moving to the USA. Why did you make that decision? Was it just because of cricket? Cricket was the only reason that made him move. I played Rajasthan cricket till 2021, but the chances were slim. There were already several runners in front of me, and I was not supported enough by the state establishment. The Rajasthan Premier League was also suspended, making the situation uncertain.When you are 26 or 27 years old, you don’t know where your career is going. That’s where you have to make the tough decisions.I came to USA to compete, and at the same time I was doing well in domestic cricket in India but I still didn’t get the opportunity. I spoke to Rajasthan’s top players and directors, and they advised me that if I want a long career, I should either move to another country or try something else. This is when I decided to come to the USA.
The first year was very difficult. I lived in St. Louis and after two or three months, I got homesick. Life here was very different from that of India.
Abhimanyu Lamba
Did your family support such a big decision? Yes, he supported me the whole time. I am the only son, so naturally it was not easy for them. But they knew that cricket was very important to me. He encouraged me to continue chasing my dreams and asked me to have a good look at the USA. That support gave me the confidence to move.The move must have been difficult. Have you ever thought about going back? Absolutely. The first year was very difficult. I lived in St. Louis and after two or three months I felt homesick. Life here was very different from that of India. In India, after your workout, your friends hang out together and there’s always something going on around you. In America, everyone is busy with work. People go to work in the morning, return home at night and spend weekends with their families. At first it was difficult for me to get used to this culture. I also had to learn to cook and take care of everything myself. It was difficult, so I returned to India after a few months.The following year, I returned mentally prepared. I knew I had to cook, live alone and make sacrifices if I wanted to play cricket here.
One thing I really like is the sports culture here. During the summer holidays, children are encouraged to play sports, and many young people from rural India play cricket. Parents also play a major role in supporting young cricketers. Traveling across the USA is not easy because the distance is great, but families keep trying
Abhimanyu Lamba
Did you have to work as a cricketer to make ends meet?Yes. I started as a part-time teacher at a cricket school in St. Louis. I worked with players between the ages of 15 and 20 along with head coach CD Thompson and Sunil Vishwanathan. Seeing our school’s players progress and represent the elite was a proud moment. Coaching also helped me stay focused and stay connected to the game and continue my cricket.
Abhimanyu Lamba played cricket for Rajasthan in India. (Photo: TSK)
You captain Minor League Cricket team and coach young cricketers. How do you see cricket growing in the USA? Cricket has grown tremendously over the past few years. When I first arrived, the biggest problem was the work environment. In most countries, winter lasts six to seven months and outdoor cricket is impossible due to frost. Players have to practice indoors, which is not the same as training for the right reasons. But things have changed a lot. There are now dedicated cricket grounds in Dallas, Los Angeles and St. Louis, and many stadiums are being built.The USA Under-19 team qualified for the World Cup, women’s cricket is growing rapidly and there are many other tournaments such as the Houston Open, Atlanta Open, USPL and US Open.
My goal is to qualify to represent the USA. Under the relevant laws, I must stay here continuously for three years. I have been here for almost two years now and I want to continue playing franchise cricket and work towards qualifying for the USA.
Abhimanyu Lamba
One thing I really like is the sports culture here. During the summer holidays, children are encouraged to play sports, and many young people from rural India play cricket. Parents also play a major role in supporting young cricketers. Traveling across the USA is not easy because the distance is great, but families keep trying. The organization is also investing in youth cricket, so the future looks bright.Do you dream of playing international cricket? Of course. After joining MLC, many people asked me about my next goal. My goal is to qualify to represent the USA. Under the relevant laws, I must stay here continuously for three years. I have been here for almost two years now and I want to continue playing franchise cricket and work towards qualifying for the USA.I have discussed it with my parents and my family because it means that I will be here for a long time. My sister has lived in America for over ten years and has helped me a lot during this journey. With cricket being part of the Olympics and a growing sport around the world, representing the USA would be a great honor. I look forward to qualifying and contributing to the USA cricket team.