IND vs USA: Saurabh Netravalkar excited to play against his former U-15 teammate in match against India

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IND vs USA: Pacer Saurabh Netravalkar is excited to play against his former Under-15 teammate Suryakumar Yadav as his team USA gears up to face India in Match 25 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 11.

The left-arm shot to overnight fame after bowling the match-winning Super Over against Pakistan on June 6. USA's historic win over Pakistan and Indian-born Netravalkar's key role in it emerged as the biggest stories from the match.

Notably, Saurabh Netravalkar played for India in the U-19 World Cup 2010, and was also part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for two seasons before moving to USA due to lack of opportunities.

In the USA, the 32-year-old works for IT giant Oracle and represents the USA cricket team which he has also led in the past. The match against India would be an emotional and nostalgic moment for Saurabh Netravalkar as he would be up against few of his former teammates.

One among them is Suryakumar, who played Under-15 cricket with Mumbai-born Netravalkar. The USA star has praised Suryakumar Yadav, saying that there was always something special about him.

"Few other people like Surya and all whom I have grown up with, played U-15 with them. It would be nice to see them and share a stage to perform. Looking forward to it, just excited, can't express my feelings," Saurabh Netravalkar told India Today ahead of the match.

"Since Under-15 days we knew this guy is something. He used to smash everybody. In group cricket as well he used to hit big hundreds. We knew he would do something special. Really happy for him, the way he has come up and set the stage on fire," he added.

IND vs USA: Have practiced with Rohit Sharma in Mumbai nets - Saurabh Netravalkar

Saurabh Netravalkar also revealed that during his time with the Mumbai team, he practiced with India captain Rohit Sharma in the nets. Netravalkar said he has also played once against Virat Kohli.

"Once (playing against Kohli) but I have bowled to Rohit Sharma in Mumbai nets. They are inspirational people. The journeys have also been inspirational," Netravalkar said.