Pacer Saurabh Netravalkar is eagerly anticipating the chance to play against his former Under-15 teammate Suryakumar Yadav as his team, USA, prepares to face India in Match 25 of the T20 World Cup 2024. The match is set to take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 11. Netravalkar recently gained overnight fame after delivering the match-winning Super Over against Pakistan on June 6, which marked a historic win for USA.
The spotlight has been on USA’s triumph over Pakistan, and Indian-born Netravalkar’s pivotal role in that victory has captured significant attention. Notably, Netravalkar played for India in the U-19 World Cup in 2010 and was part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for two seasons before moving to the USA in search of better opportunities.
In the USA, the 32-year-old works for IT giant Oracle and represents the USA cricket team, which he has also captained in the past. Facing India in the upcoming match is set to be an emotional and nostalgic experience for Netravalkar, as he will be competing against several of his former teammates.
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One such teammate is Suryakumar Yadav, with whom Saurabh Netravalkar played Under-15 cricket. Netravalkar has spoken highly of Suryakumar, noting that he always saw something special in him from a young age.
“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,” Saurabh Netravalkar told India Today ahead of the match.
Reflecting on their early days, Saurabh Netravalkar said, “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.”
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Netravalkar also reminisced about his time practicing with India captain Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai nets and recalled playing against Virat Kohli once. “Once (playing against Kohli) but I have bowled to Rohit Sharma in Mumbai nets. They are inspirational people. The journeys have also been inspirational,” SaurabhNetravalkar said.
As Netravalkar prepares for the match against India, he carries with him the memories and experiences of his journey from India to the USA, ready to face his old friends and teammates on an international stage.
