Who is Saurabh Netravalkar: Techie turns Super Over hero for USA

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 7, 2024 07:18 IST

Saurabh Netravalkar turned hero for the United States (USA) after they defeated Pakistan in a Super Over clash in the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Netravalkar was stupendous as the USA defeated Pakistan in their very first meeting in the T20Is. The left-arm pacer held his nerves under pressure and showed what he is capable of.

After the USA opted to field first, Netravalkar finished with figures of 4-0-18-2. He got the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed as the USA restricted Pakistan to 159 for 7. Netravalkar's job did not end there as he was entrusted to bowl in the Super Over. With the USA needing to defend 18 runs in the one-over eliminator, Netravalkar did not give the Pakistan batters much to work with.

Netravalkar brought forth all his experience and restricted batters of the calibre of Shadab Khan, Iftikhar and Fakhar Zaman in the Super Over. The USA will be brimming with confidence as they went to the top of the table after beating both Canada and Pakistan. USA vs PAK, T20 World Cup: Highlights

Saurabh Netravalkar's journey from India U19 to the USA hero

Netravalkar, a 32-year-old left-arm fast bowler, has led a life that defies the conventional boundaries between sports and technology. Netravalkar's cricketing career began with great promise, representing India in the U-19 World Cup in 2010 alongside notable players like KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat, and Mayank Agarwal. However, he soon found himself facing a lack of opportunities in the Indian cricket scene, leading him to pursue higher education in the United States.

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Netravalkar moved to the USA to study for a Master's degree in Computer Science at Cornell University. This marked the beginning of his dual life as both a professional cricketer and a software engineer. After completing his post-graduation, he landed a lucrative job with Oracle, a leading technology firm.

In 2019, Netravalkar made his international debut for the USA, quickly rising through the ranks to become the captain of the USA. He has been an opening bowler for the USA, comfortable with both the new ball and in the latter stages of limited-overs cricket. His experience playing for the Washington Freedom in the inaugural edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) has further honed his skills.