From Mumbai’s Ranji Team to USA’s Cricket Star: The Unconventional Journey of Saurabh Netravalkar
Mumbai/Texas, 7th June 2024: Saurabh Netravalkar, a key figure in the USA’s historic victory against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, has followed an unconventional path to success. Initially part of Mumbai’s Ranji team, Netravalkar’s journey took a surprising turn when he decided to move to the USA, a decision that would uniquely shape his future.
Before his move, Netravalkar represented India in the U19 World Cup in 2010 alongside notable players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agrawal. He even emerged as India’s top wicket-taker in that tournament. Additionally, he had the opportunity to share the field with a young Virat Kohli during his domestic cricket days.
An engineering graduate from Mumbai’s Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Netravalkar pursued further studies in the USA, completing his Master’s at Cornell University in 2015. Initially not carrying his cricket gear to the USA, he reignited his passion for the sport during his time at Cornell and eventually earned a spot in the national team.
Post his Master’s, Netravalkar found employment as a software engineer at Oracle, where he excels. His career in technology not only provides stability but also allows him to explore his cricketing interests, including the development of his cricket app, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
Beyond cricket and his professional life, Netravalkar also enjoys playing the ukulele and has showcased his singing talents on social media platforms, garnering significant attention.
In the recent T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, Netravalkar played a pivotal role as the USA secured a thrilling victory via a Super Over. Known for his skill in bowling at crucial moments, Netravalkar’s performance underscored his value to the team.
His cricketing statistics reflect his contribution to the sport, with notable figures in both ODIs and T20s, showcasing his effectiveness as a bowler in various formats.
