From Punjab to Mumbai Indians to Seattle Orcas: Sharad Lumba’s Cricket Journey

From Punjab to Mumbai Indians to Seattle Orcas: Sharad Lumba’s Cricket Journey

In this episode of Yorker we speak with Sharad Lumba about his cricket journey from the Punjab domestic system to the Mumbai Indians setup, MI New York, and now the Seattle Orcas for the 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket season. Sharad reflects on his early years in Punjab cricket, the challenges of being a middle-order batter, and the patience required to stay ready through the highs and lows of professional cricket. He also opens up about being selected by Mumbai Indians in the IPL auction, suffering a grade three side strain before camp, and what that experience taught him about focusing on the controllables. The interview also touches on franchise cricket, the growth of Major League Cricket in the United States, and what he hopes to bring to the Seattle Orcas this season. This interview about resilience, opportunity, mindset, and the reality behind a cricketer’s journey.

From Maharashtra to Thailand and Indonesia: Coach Nitish Salekar’s Cricket Journey

In this episode, I’m joined by Coach Nitish Salekar, whose cricket journey has taken him from his early playing days with Maharashtra and Thailand cricket to coaching at the international level. We talk about where his love for cricket began, the lessons he carried from his playing career, and what inspired his transition into coaching. Coach Nitish also reflects on his time in Thailand cricket, including his experience with Thailand Women’s cricket, the culture that made that team special, and what Associate nations can learn from their journey. We also discuss his current role as Head Coach of Indonesia’s men’s and women’s programs, the growth of cricket in Southeast Asia, the challenges Associate nations face, and what it takes to build belief, confidence, and long-term development in emerging cricket countries. This conversation is about more than coaching — it’s about growing the game beyond traditional cricket borders and helping players see what is possible.

How Los Angeles Lashings Are Building the Future of Cricket in America

In this episode of Yorker, we sit down with the Los Angeles Lashings to discuss the rapid growth of cricket in Southern California and the evolving future of the sport in the United States. From player development and Minor League Cricket to the impact of Los Angeles Knight Riders, Major League Cricket, and the return of cricket at the 2028 Summer Olympics, we explore how organizations like the Lashings are helping build a professional cricket ecosystem in Los Angeles.

MiLC’s All-Time Run Leader: Sujith Gowda’s Journey Back to Form

In this episode of Yorker, we sit down with Sujith Gowda, the all-time highest run-getter in Minor League Cricket history. A former Karnataka U-23 batter, Sujith has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and dangerous batters in the U.S. domestic circuit. After making his mark with the Bay Blazers and scoring over 1000 runs in his first 30 MiLC games at a strike rate close to 150, he earned a spot with Washington Freedom in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket. But his journey has not been only about records and runs. Sujith opens up about the disappointment of not getting a game in MLC, being left undrafted the following season, and going through a difficult batting slump that tested him mentally. He shares how the pressure to prove himself affected his natural game, and how returning to fearless, free-flowing batting helped him rediscover his best form. We also discuss his current MiLC comeback season, opening the batting, his standout 94 against Seattle Thunderbolts, becoming MiLC’s all-time leading run-scorer, and what it would mean to finally walk out and play in Major League Cricket. This is an interview about records, resilience, pressure, self-belief, and finding your way back to the game you love.

From Mumbai Cricket to America: Sujit Nayak’s Journey Through Ranji, IPL & US Cricket

In this episode of Yorker, I’m joined by Sujit Nayak, an Indian cricketer whose journey has taken him from the competitive cricketing circles of Mumbai to domestic cricket with Mumbai, the IPL circuit with teams like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils, and now to the growing cricket scene in the United States. Sujit reflects on his early cricketing days in Mumbai, the grind of club and corporate cricket, what it meant to be part of the Mumbai Ranji setup, and the lessons he took from professional environments like the IPL. He also shares how a vacation trip to the USA turned into a new chapter in Seattle, where he has continued to play and contribute to the domestic cricket scene in America. We also discuss the growth of US cricket, the pathway toward professional leagues like Major League Cricket, what young cricketers in America can learn from Indian domestic cricket, and Sujit’s advice for players trying to build a serious cricket career outside the traditional cricketing system.