Indian-born pacer Saurabh Netravalkar has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional bowling performances at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. The 32-year-old, who also works as an engineer for software giant Oracle, has effectively balanced his professional and sporting careers.
On Saturday, June 15, Netravalkar expressed his gratitude to Oracle on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle for supporting his cricketing ambitions alongside his tech career. “Thank you so much @Oracle for your support in enabling me to pursue my passion alongside my tech career!”, he tweeted.
Impressive Performances in the T20 World Cup
Netravalkar became a sensation after leading the USA to a thrilling five-run Super Over victory against Pakistan. He recorded figures of 4-0-18-2 and later defended 19 runs in the Super Over, showcasing his prowess under pressure.
The left-arm seamer continued his stellar form in the subsequent clash against India, claiming the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With four wickets from three innings, Netravalkar stands as the USA’s leading wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Balancing Work and Cricket
Saurabh Netravalkar’s sister, Nidhi Netravalkar, recently shed light on how her brother manages his job during the T20 World Cup. She mentioned that he carries his laptop everywhere, working from his hotel room after matches.
“He’s been very fortunate to have people who have always supported him throughout his career. He knows that when he’s not playing cricket, he has to give 100 percent to the job,” Nidhi shared with News 18. “So right now, when he’s working, he carries his laptop everywhere. And he has the freedom to work from anywhere. Even when he comes to India, he brings his laptop. He’s working. So after the match in the hotel, he’s doing his work. He is pretty dedicated like that.”
USA’s Journey in the T20 World Cup
The USA team has successfully qualified for the Super 8 round after finishing with five points from their four group-stage matches. With Netravalkar’s contributions, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the next stage of the tournament.
As Netravalkar continues to impress on the world stage, his story of balancing a demanding tech career with top-level cricket serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers and professionals alike.
