‘Facing Indian Team Will Be Emotional’ – Indian-Born USA Cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar
USA rode on Saurabh Netravalkar’s bowling heroics to beat Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024.
Saurabh Netravalkar, the hero behind USA’s recent win in T20 World Cup 2024 over Pakistan, is ready for another emotional chapter – potentially facing his cricketing roots, India.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s exceptional bowling in the Super Over, where he defended 18 runs, secured a historic win for the USA in their T20 World Cup debut.
This victory against Pakistan wasn’t just a win for the USA; it was a personal triumph for Netravalkar, a former India U-19 player who shared the dressing room with some of India’s current stars.
A Shared Past with Indian Stars
Saurabh Netravalkar’s cricketing journey began alongside prominent Indian players like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Sandeep Sharma.
The left-arm pacer was part of the 2010 U-19 World Cup squad and even emerged as the team’s highest wicket-taker. His swing bowling prowess earned him a spot in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad at a young age.
Limited opportunities in India led Netravalkar to shift to the USA in 2015. There, he continued his cricketing passion and eventually played a pivotal role in scripting a historic win for his adopted nation.
Netravalkar recently expressed his emotions about potentially facing his former teammates.
He acknowledged knowing most of the Indian players, having shared a history playing for Mumbai at the U-15, U-17, and U-19 levels.
He particularly mentioned his connection with Suryakumar Yadav, who posted a congratulatory message after Netravalkar’s heroic performance.
Saurabh Netravalkar, in a recent interview with PTI, stated that facing India in the T20 World Cup will be a very emotional moment for him. Here’s what he said:
“I know all of them and Surya (Yadav) and myself have played together for Mumbai U15s, U-17, U-19s. It is so good to see what he has achieved and it will be nice to catch up with them. Playing against India would be truly emotional.”
Team India kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with bang, having beaten Ireland in a one sided affair and they will be facing Pakistan next on Sunday, June 9 in New York. USA will face India on June 12.
