Table of Contents
Saurabh Netravalkar, a fast bowler from the United States of America (USA), has been making significant strides in international cricket. Born in India, he represented the country in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010, sharing the field with notable players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.
Dual career and breakthrough in USA Cricket
After relocating to the USA, Netravalkar pursued his studies and continued his passion for cricket. His journey in the USA cricket circuit began to gain momentum, especially with his participation in the Super50 Tournament in the West Indies. Netravalkar’s performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 have been particularly noteworthy, earning him widespread acclaim.
Notably, Netravalkar bagged six wickets in as many matches, but his most important contribution came in the group match against Pakistan. In a high-pressure game, he delivered an outstanding spell, taking two wickets for just 18 runs. His performance didn’t end there; he also bowled a match-winning super over, showcasing his nerves of steel and ability to perform under pressure
Stellar performance in Major League Cricket 2024
Netravalkar recently finished the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 tournament as the leading wicket-taker, with 15 wickets in seven games at a bowling average of 13.46, including a four-wicket haul. This performance has not gone unnoticed, and it is highly likely that Indian Premier League (IPL) teams have been monitoring his progress. The impressive stats and consistency suggest that a potential bidding war could ensue for him at the IPL 2025 auction, further solidifying his reputation as a valuable player.
Also READ: IPL Auction 2025: BCCI mulls special retention rule for uncapped players
Saurabh Netravalkar on IPL 2025 participation
In a recent interaction with a reporter in Marathi, Netravalkar was asked about his sentiments towards playing for his motherland, India, in the prestigious IPL as he once said that the USA is his “karmabhumi” (land of work), while India remains his “Janmabhoomi” (motherland), underscoring his emotional and professional ties to both countries. Reflecting on his journey and the opportunities, Netravalkar remarked, “I mean, that is not in my hands. If the selection happens, it happens. I will try and let’s see,”