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The name of Indian origin fast bowler Saurabh Netrawalkar, who is playing for America in the T-20 World Cup, is in the headlines. Due to the cancellation of this team’s match with Ireland on Friday, Saurabh’s team qualified for the Super-8 stage due to the difference in points.
Saurabh has a big role behind this success of America. This 32 year old bowler sent Team India’s top batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the pavilion in the match against India. At the same time, by defending 19 runs in the super over against Pakistan, the team won the match.
Saurabh is a software engineer by profession. He works in America only. He believes that it is a big thing for America to reach the Super-8. This will give more boost to cricket in America.
Dainik Bhaskar talked to Saurabh Netrawalkar. Some highlights of the interview….
1. How do you feel going into the next round? What is the meaning of cricket in your life?
Saurabh- Personally I’m really excited. I enjoy every moment when I get a chance to play, every moment when I put on the jersey and go out on the field because it feels like life has given me a second chance to do what I love. I am grateful for everything.
Not thinking about the results, but I am trying to enjoy every moment and it is becoming really special.
2. In an interview you had said that you have taken leave from office for this tournament. Have you extended your leave for the Super Stage?
Saurabh- Everyone in my office is supporting me. I am very grateful to all of them.
3. This time the pitches in America are not as high scoring as we see back home in India. What are the challenges on such wickets?
Saurabh- I think the first two games in Dallas were good for batting as well. The first match of the tournament was high scoring, with both teams (Canada-USA) scoring 190+ runs, while 160 runs were also scored against Pakistan.
However, the New York pitch was a little more helpful for the bowlers. In helpful conditions, what matters is how much the bowlers stick to the basics. On such pitches you don’t need to do much because the pitch is helping you, just bowl good lengths, you will get results.
4. You played with Suryakumar Yadav in Ranji Trophy, did you recall any memories after the match?
Saurabh- Of course, we met after about 10-12 years. It didn’t seem like so much time had passed. We met just like we used to meet before. I am happy for his success. They have reached here after facing many challenges. He is one of the best T20 batsmen. I got a chance to watch his innings live, which was good.
Saurabh Netrawalkar with Suryakumar Yadav.
5. Your team has qualified for the next round, what does it mean for American cricket. Since cricket is also going to be a part of Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
Saurabh- This is a historic moment for us because for the first time we are co-hosting such a tournament. We have seen that our fans have come to the tournament in such large numbers to support us. At the same time, the media is also covering it. With so many people trying to learn about the game, that in itself is a big win for us.
Now qualifying for the Super 8 is an even bigger achievement. I think this will definitely make the game grow faster in America. It is expected that some youth will now be seen carrying bat and ball in this country.
6. What was going on in your mind while bowling the super over against Pakistan?
Saurabh- It was a big deal to take the game to the Super Over. This happened because of our batsmen. We took clever overthrow runs in the super over. 19 runs is a good total. The plan in bowling was to bowl 3 balls well, due to this the match came in our favor.
I am thankful to my captain and coach, who handed me the ball and showed confidence in me. I was nervous before bowling the first ball. I was firm on my plan. If I had tried and lost, I would not have regretted because I had given my best. It was a team effort. I liked it.
Saurabh’s post after the match with Pakistan…
7. Would you consider your performance against Pakistan better than your performance against India?
Saurabh- I think both are special because both were different situations. There was a new ball spell against India. Here the challenge was to swing the length ball. Whereas there was pressure on me against Pakistan. I had to deal with the pressure. Here I passed both the tests.
