Saurabh Netravalkar Excited For T20 World Cup Game Against Former Teammate

IND vs USA: Pacer Saurabh Netravalkar is eager to play against his former Under-15 teammate Suryakumar Yadav as his team USA prepares to face India in Match 25 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 11.

The left-arm bowler gained overnight recognition after delivering the match-winning Super Over against Pakistan on June 6. USA's historic win over Pakistan and Indian-born Netravalkar's pivotal role in it were the standout stories from the match.

Notably, Saurabh Netravalkar represented India in the U-19 World Cup 2010 and was part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for two seasons before relocating to the USA due to limited opportunities.

In the USA, the 32-year-old works for IT giant Oracle and represents the USA cricket team, which he has also captained in the past. The match against India will be an emotional and nostalgic moment for Netravalkar as he faces some of his former teammates.

One of them is Suryakumar Yadav, who played Under-15 cricket with Mumbai-born Netravalkar. The USA star has praised Suryakumar, noting that there was always something special about him.

"Few other people like Surya and all whom I have grown up with, played U-15 with them. It would be nice to see them and share a stage to perform. Looking forward to it, just excited, can't express my feelings," Netravalkar told India Today ahead of the match.

"Since Under-15 days we knew this guy is something. He used to smash everybody. In group cricket as well he used to hit big hundreds. We knew he would do something special. Really happy for him, the way he has come up and set the stage on fire," he added.

Saurabh Netravalkar also revealed that during his time with the Mumbai team, he practiced with India captain Rohit Sharma in the nets. Netravalkar said he has also played once against Virat Kohli.

"Once (playing against Kohli) but I have bowled to Rohit Sharma in Mumbai nets. They are inspirational people. The journeys have also been inspirational," Netravalkar said.