The return of cricket to the Olympic program has provided the American team not only with a major platform but also opened a new path for player selection. Nationality-related rules may play a key role in shaping the US team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Consequently, the performances of American players in domestic cricket over the next two years are gaining increased significance.
The Minor International League Cricket (MiLC), which began on Thursday (September 17), is an important arena for Indian players who dream of playing for the USA internationally. Successful performance over the next two seasons could qualify them for both the Major League Cricket (MLC) and the US Olympic team.
Kunwarjit Singh, born in California, has demonstrated impressive play over the last two MiLC seasons, scoring over 500 runs in 19 matches. This right-handed batsman can play various positions depending on the situation, making him a valuable asset in T20 format. However, he has not yet had sufficient opportunity in the MLC to play in longer formats.
Last season, Kunwarjit Singh played for MI New York, where he featured in only four matches, scoring 32 runs. His best innings was 26 runs off 20 balls against Washington Freedom. Previously, in the 2025 final, he helped the team out of a difficult situation, scoring 22 runs off 13 balls. At 28 years old, MiLC provides him a platform to strengthen his position through consistent scoring.
Agni Chopra has yet to fully unlock his potential after moving to American cricket. The 27-year-old Agni switched to American cricket last year. In the MLC for MI New York, he played two matches, scoring only 13 runs. Nevertheless, his first-class record in India suggests otherwise. In the first four matches for Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy, he scored four centuries. His performance in MiLC was also notable: he scored 298 runs in 11 matches at an average rate of 147.52. Chopra's left-handed batting is his distinguishing feature, and such options are limited in the US squad. Nevertheless, in T20, he will need to adapt to both the top and middle order.
Aniruddha Emanuel, a 21-year-old leg-spinner, has gained significant trust from the Texas Super Kings, who selected him in this year's MiLC draft. In the tournament, he played only two matches, taking one wicket while bowling for Keron Pollard. Following this, Emanuel performed brilliantly in the Global Super League T20 final in Guyana, taking 3 wickets for only 7 runs, including dismissals of Mohammed Nabi and Rowan Powell. Aniruddha Emanuel, residing in New Jersey, also had the opportunity to study the nuances of spin bowling under Ravichandran Ashwin while playing for the Texas Super Kings. Now, his entire MiLC season with the New Jersey Stallions will be decisive for him.
Nitish Sudini, an 18-year-old player from Atlanta, has more time than the other three. However, he has already demonstrated his potential. This year, in the U-19 World Cup against New Zealand, he played a magnificent innings of 117 runs. At that moment, the US team was down five wickets at 40 runs, but Sudini worked a miracle. He became the first batsman to score a hundred runs for the USA in any ICC tournament.
Nitish Sudini now plays in the MiLC for the defending team Atlanta Fire. The team includes experienced players such as Shakib al-Hasnain, which will allow him to learn a great deal. Sudini's main characteristic is his powerful hitting, as well as his ability to hit big shots by stepping back against spinners. Furthermore, he is capable of playing as a pure bowler, which increases his utility to the team.