Reaching the Super-8 will increase cricket in America: Saurabh said- everyone in the office is supporting; It was nice to meet Surya

The name of Indian origin fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar, who is playing for America in the World Cup, is in the headlines. Due to Pakistan’s match being cancelled on Friday, his team qualified for the Super-8 stage due to the difference in points.

Saurabh has a big role behind America’s success. This 32-year-old bowler sent Team India’s top batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the pavilion in the match against India. At the same time, he also proved to be a match winner by defending 19 runs in the super over against Pakistan.

Saurabh believes that reaching the Super-8 is a big deal for America. This will give more promotion to the sport in America.

Dainik Bhaskar spoke to Saurabh Netravalkar. Some highlights of the interview…

1. How does it feel to be in the next round? What does cricket mean to you in your life?
Saurabh- Personally I am really excited. I enjoy every moment when I get a chance to play, every moment when I wear the jersey and enter the field. Because it feels like life has given me a second chance to do what I love. I am grateful for everything. Not thinking about the results, but I am trying to enjoy every moment and it is turning out to be really special.

2. In an interview you said that you have taken leave from office for this tournament. Have you extended your leave for the Super Stage?
Saurabh- Everyone in my office is supporting me. I am very grateful to all of them.

3. This time the pitches in America are not high scoring like we see at home in India. What are the challenges on such wickets?
Saurabh- I think the first two matches played in Dallas were also good for batting. They were high scoring with 190 runs behind, while against Pakistan they were 160 runs behind. So the New York pitch was a bit more helpful for the bowlers. In helpful conditions, it matters how well the bowlers stick to the basics.

You don’t need to do much on these pitches because the pitch is helping you, just bowl at a good length and you will get results.

4. You played with Suryakumar Yadav in Ranji Trophy, so did you recall any memories after the match?
Saurabh- Of course, we met after almost 10-12 years. It didn’t feel like so much time has passed. We met like we used to meet before. I am happy for his success. He faced many challenges. He is one of the best T20 batsmen. I got a chance to watch his innings live, which was good.

Saurabh Netravalkar with Suryakumar Yadav.

5. In the development of American cricket, what does qualifying for the next round mean for American cricket. Since it is also going to be a part of the LA Olympics.
Saurabh- This is a historic moment for us as for the first time we are co-hosting such a tournament. We have seen that our fans have come in such large numbers to support us. At the same time, the media is also covering it. Many people are trying to know about the game, this in itself is a big victory for us.

Now qualifying for the Super 8s is an even bigger achievement. I think this is definitely going to boost the game in the country. Hopefully some youngsters will now pick up the bat and ball in this country.

6. What was going through your mind while bowling the super-over against Pakistan?
Saurabh- Bringing the game to the Super Over was a big thing. This happened because of our batsmen. We smartly took runs from overthrows and wides in the Super Over. 19 runs is a good total. The plan in bowling was to bowl 3 good balls, this would have brought the match in our favor.

I am thankful to my captain and coach, who gave me the ball and showed faith in me. I was nervous before bowling the first ball. I was firm on my plan. If I had lost after trying, I would not have regretted it because I had given my best. It was a team effort. I felt good.

Saurabh’s post after the match with Pakistan…

7. Would you consider your performance against Pakistan better than your performance against India?
Saurabh- I think both are special because both are different situations. There was a new ball spell against India. Here the challenge was to swing the length ball. Whereas there was pressure on me against Pakistan. I had to deal with the pressure. Here I passed both the tests.