Credit: X
In the build-up to the all-important T20 World Cup 2024 clash against India, Saurabh Netravalkar, the USA fast bowler, called his close friend Suryakumar Yadav a “special” cricketer. The 32-year-old spoke about how he grew up playing with Suryakumar Yadav in junior cricket for Mumbai where the right-handed batter used to score runs for fun.
Notably, Saurabh Netravalkar, who played U-19 Cricket World Cup for India in 2010, took part in his only Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai in 2013 alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Although Netravalkar picked up three wickets in the contest, Karnataka went on to defeat Mumbai, and he never took part in first-class cricket again in his career thus far.
Saurabh Netravalkar praises close friend Suryakumar Yadav
After moving to the USA to pursue a master’s degree, Saurabh Netravalkar started playing cricket again, and just a few years later, he is standing on the cusp of making history for the national team. Ahead of playing against his country of birth, India, the left-arm fast bowler spoke about his friendship with Suryakumar Yadav and his cricketing exploits at an early age.
“Suryakumar has been a close friend, actually. I’ve seen him since our under-15 days; we kind of grew up playing for Mumbai together. He was always special, scoring double hundreds and stuff in under-15 and under-17 matches,” Saurabh Netravalkar said to Star Sports, as per the Indian Express.
“He got a chance to play for India later than I expected, but I’m really happy for him. I’m excited to meet him, and it’s an opportunity to play not just against him but also against a lot of the guys we played with. I don’t know how to get Surya out, but I think I’ll just try to do my role, what the team needs me to do,” he added.
Moreover, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the USA will be looking to cause yet another major upset in the T20 World Cup 2024. If they manage to defeat India on Wednesday, June 12, then their qualification through to the Super 8 stage of the tournament from Group A.
