Meet Saurabh Netravalkar, the India-born USA cricketer who shocked Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup

Name Saurabh Netravalkar has gone down in history after his brilliant performance led the United States of America (USA) to a stunning victory over Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Netravalkar, the Indian-born American cricketer, emerged as an unlikely hero, leaving the cricket world in awe.

Early life and journey of cricket in India

Hailing from Mumbai, Netravalkar’s cricketing journey began in his native India. He represented India’s under-19 team at the 2010 World Cup, showcasing his early talent. He even went on to play a first-class Ranji Trophy match in Mumbai in 2013.

Academic careers and transition to the USA

Netravalkar’s educational pursuits also took up a lot of space. He completed his degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai before pursuing a Masters in Computer Science in the United States (2015-2016). This move marked a turning point in his life, eventually leading him to a successful career at Oracle, a technology giant, starting in 2016.

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A rising star in USA cricket

While his professional life flourished, Netravalkar’s love for cricket remained unwavering. In 2018, he earned a coveted spot in the USA national cricket team, showcasing his talent on a new stage. His leadership qualities stood out, as he was named the captain of the USA team in 2019.

Record breaking achievements

Netravalkar’s contribution to USA cricket has been great. He wrote his name in the record books by becoming the first bowler to take five wickets for USA in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) against UAE in 2019 and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Singapore in 2022. the distinction of being the leading wicket taker for the USA in limited overs cricket.

Champions of the 2024 T20 World Cup

The 2024 T20 World Cup was a defining moment for Netravalkar. His save throw is 2/18 restricted the star-studded Pakistan batting line-up to 159-7. However, his most important contribution came during the heart-stopping Super Over. Netravalkar, tasked with defending a modest target of 18 runs, showed nerves of steel. He held his own under a lot of pressure, taking out a key hitter and guiding the USA to a historic victory.

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From a talented Mumbai cricketer to a USA hero, Saurabh Netravalkar’s story inspires budding cricketers around the world. His dedication, talent and his ability to play at the big stage made him a cricket superstar.