Superb Saurabh Netravalkar’s super over against Pakistan that helped United States to have the win which could be a game changer for the game in the country.
Cricket is in buzz and his performing on Wednesday at Nassau International County Ground against India by this Mumbai boy will be eagerly followed. India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, also a Mumbaikar, recalled his days in domestic cricket when Netravalkar was making it big.”Saurabh is an inspirational story, I am really happy for him,” Mhambrey said ahead of India’s optional training session on Tuesday.
Mhambrey tell us a bit more about early life of this now 32 year-old: “I remember watching him train and he seemed quite promising at that time. He played some matches for Mumbai and it would have been tough leaving all that behind and trying to find your feet here,” said Mhambrey.
The fact that he is a coder with Oracle and has come so far without playing cricket as his No.1 profession surprises Mhambrey. “It’s a great story really. There will be others who’d want play cricket seeing the path we’ve gone through,” added Mhambrey.
For instance, players like Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh, Monank Patel, Milind Kumar among other guys this Wednesday’s match will mark an unforgettable day in their lives. The USA vice-captain Aaron Jones known for knocking out Canada during their first match said that their Indian counterparts were looking forward to the fixture.
“Actually they are pretty excited about it. Mostly we have spent our childhood following them back home. And I am sure they must be wanting to do well against and beat them,” stated Jones.
The interesting thing this Wednesday will be where exactly these fans’ loyalty lies. All these days Nassau International County ground has been a sea of blue and even though the home team had not been playing, it’ll be no different on Thursday. “I think it will be 50-50… people are noticing how we are playing. Cricket is now part of the Olympics and by extension it will soon take off in this country,” concluded the vice-captain.
USA are one game away from creating history by qualifying for the Super 8’s. This storm is brewing in Miami and it is more likely that more matches would draw because of heavy rains including Canada vs India and Ireland which USA would have to win to qualify.
If this happens, then USA may not need anything else to qualify. “Yeah, going there will be massive for us. But for now, we want to focus on the India game. We have our plans; we wont get intimidated by these Indian superstars and we’ll play our games,” Jones stated at last.
