Saurabh Netravalkar: The Oracle Engineer from Mumbai Who Stunned Pakistan in a Super Over
Born in Mumbai, Saurabh Netravalkar has had the privilege of playing alongside Indian cricket stars like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Sandeep Sharma. The cricketing world witnessed one of the most significant upsets in World Cup history (both T20 and ODI) as the USA triumphed over Pakistan in a Group A clash on Thursday night. This remarkable feat was achieved thanks to a stellar Super Over performance by Mumbai-born Saurabh Netravalkar, who now represents the USA. Netravalkar was tasked with defending 18 runs in the one-over eliminator in Dallas after the scores were tied in the 40-over match. Against all odds, he bowled brilliantly, conceding only 13 runs, leading the USA to a memorable victory.
Netravalkar, once a player for India at the junior level, shattered Pakistan’s hopes of a perfect start in the T20 World Cup 2024, inspiring aspiring cricketers worldwide to dream big on the global stage.
Who is Saurabh Netravalkar?
Born in Mumbai on October 16, 1991, Netravalkar played for the Indian U19 team in the 2010 World Cup. However, the fierce competition in India made it challenging for him to advance his cricketing career. Known for his ability to generate pace and bounce from any surface, Netravalkar showcased his skills against Pakistan on Thursday.
After moving to the United States in 2015, Netravalkar made history in his cricketing career about nine years later. The left-arm pacer, who also played a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai, has been teammates with senior Indian players like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Sandeep Sharma.
Balancing his profession as a Senior Software Engineer at Oracle and his passion for cricket, Netravalkar has demonstrated exceptional determination. While coding for Oracle was his primary job, his heart remained in cricket. His dedication to both pursuits culminated in a crucial role at the T20 World Cup 2024, where he played a significant part in USA’s historic achievement.
In 2010, Netravalkar wore the Indian jersey at the U19 World Cup, where Pakistan, led by a young Babar Azam, ended India’s campaign. Fourteen years later, Netravalkar, now a key player for the USA, orchestrated a poetic reversal at the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a sensational Super Over, he led the USA to a stunning victory over Babar Azam’s Pakistan, rewriting the script and making history.
