Saurabh Netravalkar gets ready for an emotional encounter against India

From having supportive managers at a top technology company, Oracle, to pursuing his interest in coding and bowling. This is the story of Mumbai native Saurabh Netravalkar, who has become an overnight popular figure after his heroics for the United States squad against Pakistan. Netravalkar was given the task of bowling the Super Over against Pakistan and defending 19 runs. He kept his nerve to the finish to give the USA squad a historic victory.

He became an instant phenomenon as people discovered Netravalkar's various skills, having previously represented India at the Under-19 level. Saurabh Netravalkar expressed that playing against India will be emotional, and he praised his old Mumbai teammate Suryakumar Yadav for climbing through the ranks to represent India. 

According to India Today, "I know all of them, and Surya (Yadav) and myself have played together for Mumbai U15s, U-17, U-19s. It is so good to see what he has achieved and it will be nice to catch up with them. Playing against India would be truly emotional," Netravalkar told PTI.

I have never felt the pressure - Saurabh Netravalkar

Suryakumar Yadav and Netravalkar participated for Mumbai in the 2013 Ranji Trophy. Additionally, he posted a heartwarming message on his Instagram story praising Netravalkar for his heroics during Super Over. In the aftermath of not getting enough opportunities in the Indian cricket scene, Netravalkar moved his base to the US. He played for India at U-19 level alongside KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

According to India Today, "I have never felt the pressure. When you love something, it is never a job for you. So when I am out there on the field, I love bowling and trying to out-think a batter. When I am coding, I love doing that and hence it never feels like work.

But he never gave up on his love of cricket; in 2019, he made his debut for the USA squad and had previously served as captain.