After the match in New York, Saurabh Netravalkar’s. An Indian-American fast bowler, had a touching reunion with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
Netravalkar has been outstanding during his time in this T20 World Cup. He even shared a moment with his old Mumbai mates who recalled their days playing together before now.
“It’s special. We were just reminiscing about past times because we played from U-15 level to U-17 together,” said Netravalkar during a post-match media interaction via PTI.
He also spoke with India captain Rohit Sharma since they both played for Mumbai. “I did talk to Rohit Sharma, who was my senior in Mumbai. He played with him there. I haven’t played much with Virat but he acknowledged our efforts after the game. It’s good that they see potential in this team,” he said reflecting on these encounters.
The 32-year-old software engineer at Oracle gave up cricket for higher studies after the 2010 Under-19. World Cup where he represented India. Nevertheless, his love for cricket returned when he moved to the US and started taking part actively in the national team which consist of players from India. Pakistan and West Indies.
Netravalkar has viewed his amazing performances during this T20 World cup like dream coming into reality. His participation is still sinking in as dismissals of Kohli and doing well against Pakistan just happened recently on a global platform.
“I am still digesting what is happening right now. The last two games have been very high profile ones. I’m glad we have done well as a unit. Always happy being myself irrespective of the situation,” stated Netravalkar’s.
Talking about his bowling strategy in recent matches. Q referred to pitch conditions which helped the bowlers: “Pitch plays a crucial role because then bowlers don’t have to do much. Just hit the top of the stumps and let the pitch create the variation rather than us doing it. Credit to the coaching staff for giving us this clarity.”
“I bowled my stock ball. I don’t want to give too much away. First ball, I was trying to hit top of off-stump, as simple as that. I didn’t try anything special or tried to get him out. It was a good ball and it seamed nicely,” explained Netravalkar discussing his dismissal of Kohli.
On one hand, cricket is an absolute addiction for Netravalkar’s but on other hand he loves his job at Oracle and is happy with the balancing act he does between both halves of his life. “I love my job at Oracle, and I enjoy entering the field and bowling every ball. I’m blessed that I get to do what I love the most. That’s how it works,” he shared.
Netravalkar thought about his journey, admitted to the difficulties and decisions that have influenced his present state. “It has been a journey of almost ten years with highs and lows. I had to make a pragmatic decision when I was not getting enough opportunities in India due to tough competition there,” he explained. “I had a good offer from one of the best universities so I felt it was realistic for me to take up my other love and come here. It is also pleasing that God gave me another opportunity to explore cricket as well.”
