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American cricket team pacer Saurabh Netrawalkar (in blue jersey) with family.
Saurabh Netrawalkar…The name of this Mumbai born cricketer and playing cricket for America is in the headlines. This 32 year old bowler snatched victory from Pakistan in this T-20 World Cup match. Saurabh did not allow big hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan to score 18 runs in the Super Over.
Saurabh made headlines by taking 30 wickets in the 2008 Cooch Behar Trophy. He has also played Under-19 World Cup for India in 2010. This team also had players like KL Rahul, Harshal Patel and Mayank Agarwal.
Saurabh’s family lives in Mumbai only. Saurabh will take the field against India today. Saurabh’s father and sister are supporting India, but they want Saurabh to perform best on behalf of America.
Dainik Bhaskar talked to Saurabh’s father Naresh and sister Nidhi…
Saurabh is playing from USA? How do you see it?
Father- Saurabh started playing cricket when he was 10 years old. Has played for Mumbai in all age groups. Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19. Was the highest wicket taker in the Cooch Behar Trophy in Under-19. After that he was selected for the Under-19 World Cup held in 2009-10.
In the Under-19 World Cup held in New Zealand, they lost to Pakistan in the quarter-finals. In that match, Sourav gave 16 runs in 5 overs. There was an over maiden.
When USA and India clash, which team will you support?
answer- I would like Team India to win but as a father I would like my son to perform well and take wickets of India’s leading batsmen. Saurabh has played with many Indian players. He has played for Mumbai with Surya Kumar Yadav.
Why did Saurabh have to go to USA?
Father- Saurabh had already said that he will explore possibilities in cricket for two years and if he does not get a chance, he will go to USA to do Master in Computer Science. I told Saurabh that he has worked so hard for cricket. Wait for a few more years. Sourav also made his Ranji debut from Mumbai. But could not make permanent place. There was a lot of competition also. Then Saurabh said that now I focus on studies. He was already preparing Plan B.
What would you like to say about his performance in the T20 World Cup?
Father- Playing for USA since 2018. Has also been a captain. He was a senior player. The responsibility of the Super Over was on him. When I was watching the match on TV with my daughter in Mumbai, we were under a lot of tension, but looking at Sourav, it did not seem that he was under tension. He was bowling thinking.
He works in ORACLE, how did he manage cricket?
answer- The company has given him the facility to work from home. He does his work after the match. He always carries his laptop. When he was in Mumbai, he used to carry books and notebooks with him while practicing cricket. During the one-two hour time it took to travel by local train, we used to do our school homework.
Will you guys shift to America?
answer- The culture here and the culture there are different. It is difficult to leave the social network here. Our entire family will not go there. Yes, he can probably settle there.
Who is his favorite among Indian players?
Answer- He likes Virat Kohli because of his fitness. Like them, he has been vegan for two years. Sachin Tendulkar is his favourite. He has also bowled to Tendulkar in the nets. Talking about fast bowler, he follows Wasim Akram. I learned bowling just by watching him.
Saurabh’s post after the match with Pakistan…
Now conversation with Saurabh’s sister Nidhi, Nidhi is in the advertising department of Oracle…
What was going on in your mind during the Super Over in the match against Pakistan?
Fund- Papa and I were at home, mother and sister-in-law were watching the match in the stadium. We stood up during the super over. It seemed as if we were on the ground. Brother was calm and we were feeling the pressure. We will hardly ever forget the moment of that victory. Now calls are coming continuously. People are coming to meet. The school teachers, his friends, everyone has supported my brother in cricket. I am not a cricket lover. I watch cricket for my brother and he is my favorite cricketer.
Who will you support, India or America?
Fund- I would like Team India to win the match, rather Team India should win the World Cup. Saurav’s performance should be good. Brother had great interest in both cricket and studies. In the same year when there was the Under-19 World Cup, his 12th board was also held. After the World Cup, brother took the 12th exam and got 90 percent marks. Couldn’t give IIT exam because of tournament. If he could, I am sure he would have cleared that also.
Saurabh’s photos with Indian Legends
Former Indian all-rounders Yuvraj Singh and Saurabh Netrawalkar.
Saurabh with former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
