USA's Saurabh Netravalkar Reminisces About Playing For India Under-19 Team

Saurabh Netravalkar's remarkable journey from representing India at the Under-15 level to becoming a vital member of the United States of America cricket team is a tale worthy of admiration. Balancing a full-time engineering job at a software company in the USA, cricket has emerged as his sanctuary, his true passion. His defining moment came when he delivered a match-winning spell against Pakistan, propelling the USA to a historic victory on June 6th. Anticipation brims as Saurabh gears up to face his former team, India, on June 12th in a crucial T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage encounter. Having shared the field with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav during their Under-15 days, Saurabh reflects on their journey, now finding themselves on opposite sides of the cricketing spectrum. He pays homage to Suryakumar's exceptional skills, reminiscing about the batter's unwavering determination since their early cricketing days.

As the stage is set for the pinnacle event of cricket, Saurabh embraces the opportunity to leave an indelible mark against a formidable opponent like India. For him, this isn't merely a cricket match; it's a chance to etch his name in the annals of cricketing history. With the world watching, Saurabh is determined to seize the moment and showcase his talent on the grandest stage of them all, making his mark on the T20 World Cup.

"Few other people like Surya and all whom I have grown up with, played U-15 with them. It would be nice to see them and share a stage to perform. Looking forward to it, just excited, can't express my feelings. Since Under-15 days we knew this guy is something. He used to smash everybody. In group cricket as well he used to hit big hundreds. We knew he would do something special. Really happy for him, the way he has come up and set the stage on fire," USA's Saurabh Netravalkar said as quoted by India Today.

Prior to joining the USA team, Saurabh disclosed his experience of practicing with India's captain, Rohit Sharma, in the nets. During a Mumbai Indians practice session, he had the opportunity to bowl to Rohit, whom he regards as an inspirational figure. Reflecting on his recent achievements, Saurabh highlighted his pivotal role in the USA's victory against Pakistan, where he successfully defended 19 runs in the Super Over, conceding only 13 runs while claiming a crucial wicket, ultimately steering his team to victory.

"Once (playing against Kohli) but I have bowled to Rohit Sharma in Mumbai nets. They are inspirational people. The journeys have also been inspirational," Netravalkar added.