Mumbai-born Saurabh Netravalkar Dismisses Kohli and Rohit: Hero of USA’s Win Against Pakistan

Saurabh Netravalkar: The Mumbai-born Cricketer Making Waves in the USA Team

Saurabh Netravalkar, a cricketer born in Mumbai and playing for the United States, has become a topic of discussion. The 32-year-old bowler has taken down top Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in a match against India. Before the match, Saurabh’s father told Bhaskar that he wishes for Team India to win, but he also hopes his son performs well by taking the wickets of India’s top batters.

Saurabh made headlines in the 2008 Cooch Behar Trophy by taking 30 wickets. He also played for India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010, a team that included players like KL Rahul, Harshal Patel, and Mayank Agarwal.

Saurabh’s family still resides in Mumbai. Today, Saurabh will be playing against India. While his father and sister are supporting India, they wish for Saurabh to deliver his best performance for the USA.

Bhaskar Speaks with Saurabh’s Father Naresh and Sister Nidhi

Does Saurabh play from the USA? How do you watch him?

Father: Saurabh started playing cricket when he was 10 years old. He played for Mumbai in all age groups – Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19. He was the highest wicket-taker in the Cooch Behar Trophy for Under-19. Following that, he was selected for the Under-19 World Cup held in 2009-10.

In the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, the team faced defeat in the quarter-finals against Pakistan. In that match, Saurabh bowled 5 overs, giving away only 16 runs, with one maiden over.

When USA and India Clash, Which Team Will You Support?

Answer: I want Team India to win, but as a father, I wish for my son to perform well and take the wickets of India’s top batsmen. Saurabh has played with many Indian players. He has played for Mumbai alongside Suryakumar Yadav.

Why Did Saurabh Have to Move to the USA?

Father: Saurabh had already said that he would explore possibilities in cricket for two years, and if he didn’t get an opportunity, he would go to the USA to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. I told Saurabh that he has worked so hard for cricket, so give it a few more years. Saurabh also debuted in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai but couldn’t secure a permanent spot due to the high level of competition. At that point, Saurabh decided to focus on his studies. He had already prepared a plan B.

What Would You Like to Say About His Performance in the T20 World Cup?

Father: He has been playing for the USA since 2018 and has even captained the team. He was a senior player and was entrusted with the responsibility of the Super Over. While watching the match on TV with my daughter in Mumbai, we were very tense, but Saurabh didn’t seem nervous at all. He was bowling thoughtfully.

How Did He Manage Cricket While Working at Oracle?

Answer: The company allowed him to work from home. He would do his job after the match. He always kept his laptop with him. When he was in Mumbai, he used to take books and notebooks with him to cricket practice. During the one or two hours of travel time on local trains, he would do his school homework.

Will you shift to America?

Answer: The culture here and there is different. It’s difficult to leave our social network here. Our entire family won’t move there. Yes, he might settle there permanently.

Who is his favorite among Indian players?

Answer: He admires Virat Kohli for his fitness. Like him, he has been vegetarian for two years. Sachin Tendulkar is his favorite. He watches Tendulkar’s bowling on YouTube. When it comes to fast bowlers, he follows Jasprit Bumrah. He learned bowling just by watching him.

During the match against Pakistan, what was going through your mind during the Super Over?

Nidhi: I and dad were at home, mom and sister were watching the match in the stadium. During the Super Over, we were all standing. It felt like we were on the ground. My brother was calm and we experienced the pressure. It felt fortunate to witness that victory. Calls have been pouring in continuously. People are coming to meet us. My brother’s school teachers, his friends, everyone has supported him in cricket. I am not a cricket enthusiast. I watch cricket for my brother and he is my favorite cricketer.

Whom do you support, India or America?

Nidhi: I wish Team India wins the match and the World Cup instead. Saurav’s performance should be good. My brother had a lot of fun in both cricket and practice. It was the same year when the Under-19 World Cup was held, and he also had his 12th board exams then. After the World Cup, my brother took the 12th exam and scored 90 percent. He couldn’t appear for the IIT exam due to the tournament. If he could have, I am sure he would have passed it too.