Bowling USA over

India-born left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar has been grabbing the headlines – as a member of the USA team in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, he trounced the Pakistani team in the Super Over, and in his team’s encounter with India, grabbed the prize wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.  

Speaking exclusively to DC about his journey to the US, his father Naresh Netravalkar said, “Migrating to the USA was entirely my son’s decision. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2013. He had a passion for playing cricket for the country. After two years, he managed to play the Ranji Trophy but could not go beyond that.”

(“I still remember the special day when I got my first Ranji Trophy Cap from you,” Saurabh had said in a message to his Ranji team captain Wasim Jaffer, who tweeted, “Should have given this guy more chances in Ranji Trophy.”)

“Saurabh then decided to move to the US to pursue his Masters and subsequently joined Oracle,” continued Netravalkar Senior. He said his son’s interest in cricket did not diminish in USA, and one of his coaches in India suggested that he continue to play the game on weekends.

His performance in the local club matches attracted the notice of authorities but he was unable to play for USA because an 8-year cooling period mandated by the ICC was in force. “But luckily for him, this period was reduced to 3 years in 2018 and that’s how he was eligible to play for the US team,” the proud father shared.

Saurabh’s mother, Rama, has travelled to USA specially to watch the World Cup matches and was spotted in the stands with Saurabh’s wife, Snighda Upalla, “Snighda and my son were classmates. She is also an Engineer, and is working in the same company,” said Netravalkar.

“Saurabh was a brilliant student,” remembers Dinesh Lad, a coach in Mumbai, who has seen Rohit Sharma, Shardal Thakur and his own son, Siddhesh Lad, playing along with Saurabh.

Adding another facet to the picture, Saurabh’s sister Nidhi, who works in Mumbai, told a TV channel that, “Saurabh carries his laptop and works from the hotel after playing matches.”

“I always support the Indian team and hope India wins the World Cup,” Netravalkar Sr. said, but added, “I wish Saurabh plays well against India and any other team.”

Interestingly, Saurabh was seen singing the National Anthems of both India and USA when, following tradition, the songs were sung before the start of the match. The 32-year-old is no stranger to cricket in India, or Indian cricketers. In 2009, his talent was highlighted when he rattled the stumps of Yuvraj Singh with his disciplined spell of bowling at the NCA in Bengaluru while he was on an Air India sports scholarship. That dismissal landed him an opportunity to play in the prestigious BCCI Corporate Trophy, and he shared the dressing room with Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh himself. Saurabh has also played alongside Virat Kohli. He represented India in the 2010 U19 World Cup along with KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat and Mayank Agarwal. Ultimately, Saurabh Netravalkar is India's loss but USA’s gain.

“Migrating to the USA was entirely my son’s decision. He had a passion for playing cricket for the country. After two years, he managed to play the Ranji Trophy but could not go beyond that.”