As the T20 World Cup 2024 heats up, USA’s standout performer, Saurabh Netravalkar, opened up about his close friendship with Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav. The two players, who share a long history from their days in the Mumbai State side, are set to face off in an eagerly anticipated clash between India and the USA.
Source : TOI
Netravalkar, who played a pivotal role in the USA’s stunning victory over Pakistan by defending just 18 runs in a nerve-wracking super over, reminisced about his early cricketing days with Suryakumar. “Suryakumar has been a close friend, actually. I’ve seen him since our under-15 days; we kind of grew up playing for Mumbai together. He was always special, scoring double hundreds and stuff in under-15 and under-17 matches,” Netravalkar shared on Star Sports.
Source:- India today
Reflecting on Yadav’s journey to the Indian team, Netravalkar expressed surprise at the timing of his friend’s selection. “He got a chance to play for India later than I expected, but I’m really happy for him. I’m excited to meet him, and it’s an opportunity to play not just against him but also against a lot of the guys we played with. I don’t know how to get Surya out, but I think I’ll just try to do my role, what the team needs me to do,” he added.
Journey from Mumbai to USA Cricketer
Netravalkar’s journey from a Mumbai Ranji player to a key figure in the USA cricket team is nothing short of remarkable. Until 2014, he played for the Mumbai Ranji team, but uncertainties about his future in cricket led him to reconsider his path. “How much cricket can I play? Till 35, maybe… but there is no guarantee. There is no growth too,” he recalled.
At the age of 22, the software engineer, who even designed his own cricket app, decided to accept a scholarship from a US university, believing it marked the end of his cricketing career. However, his cricketing aspirations were reignited by Lloyd Jodah, a West Indian coach who recognized his talent. “I never thought I will play cricket again but after coming to the US, I got to know there was cricket in my college. There was a coach named Lloyd Jodah who saw me bowl and asked whether I played decent cricket. Then he recommended me to different clubs here,” Netravalkar recounted.
USA’s Rising Star
Netravalkar has since become a linchpin in the USA cricket setup, leading the team with crucial performances. His ability to maintain composure under pressure was on full display against Pakistan, where he claimed vital wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, and successfully defended a modest target in the super over.
As the USA prepares to face India, fans are eager to see how this friendship-turned-rivalry unfolds on the field. With Netravalkar’s strategic bowling and Suryakumar’s explosive batting, the encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle in the T20 World Cup 2024
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