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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 | The Indian Eye 44

Saurabh Netravalkar: A player grounded

in reality but reaching for the stars

The left-arm pacer’s performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was exceptional. His super over
against Pakistan, securing a historic victory for the USA, was a defining moment

ARCHAN MEHTA
San Jose, CA

here are about 400,000 techies in the Bay
Area, but few reach Principal positions. Sau-
Trabh Netravalkar is one of the few who has
achieved this, while also playing cricket at the high-
est level for 2 different countries Team USA which
is his ’Karmabhoomi’ and Team India Under 19
which is his ‘Janmabhoomi’.
Saurabh’s journey began in Mumbai, where he
excelled in both academics and cricket. His early
success as a star bowler for India’s under-19 na-
tional team marked the start of a promising career.
Despite initial setbacks and stiff competition, Sau-
rabh’s determination led him to pursue a Master’s
degree in Computer Science and a career in soft-
ware engineering in the US.
Even while pursuing a successful career in
technology, Saurabh remained committed to crick-
et, playing at the club and regional levels in the
US. His dedication and talent eventually led him
to represent the USA Cricket national team.

Saurabh’s performance in the 2024 T20
World Cup was exceptional. His super over ^ Saurabh Netravalkar celebrates the dismissal of India’s captain Rohit Sharma during a match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
against Pakistan, securing a historic vic- at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York (ANI)
tory for the USA, was a defining moment.

He also dismissed renowned Indian crick- acknowledges past arrogance and ego but has
grown through self-discovery practices like yoga
eters both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and spirituality.
showcasing his skill and mental fortitude. He believes external factors are uncontrol-
lable, and finding inner peace is essential, espe-
As the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, cially when striving for one’s best.
Saurabh shared his Major League Crick- Saurabh dedicates daily time for self-re-
flection, journaling his thoughts and prioritiz-
et (MLC) experience with the Washington ing tasks. He believes in focusing on a limited
Freedom. number of goals each day (1-2) for optimal
outcomes. He emphasizes that these prioritized
tasks should take precedence over other mat-
Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting fostered a sup- ters until completion.
portive family atmosphere, emphasizing clarity, in- Beyond his cricket achievements, Saurabh’s
tent, and positivity. Players were guided to choose well-rounded personality is evident in his pas-
positive options over defensive approaches. sion for yoga, mindful breathing, mentoring
Saurabh emphasizes the importance of be- others, and even playing the ukulele. This bal-
hind-the-scenes preparation. He highlights the ance has undoubtedly contributed to his success
role of practice, specific skill development, and both on and off the field.
clear communication among the team in achieving
success. He advises focusing on the process and Saurabh Netravalkar in action T20 World Cup 2024 (ANI) >
performing to the best of one’s ability, as the out-
come is often beyond individual control. Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to telling
Saurabh attributes his grounded nature to compelling stories about athletes, teams,
his family’s influence and life experiences. He and the world of cricket.

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