“My first-semester engineering exam…”: Saurabh Netravalkar talks about his engineering exams and U-19 days

Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm pacer who shot to fame after leading the United States of America to a historic victory over Pakistan in the Super Over of the T20 World Cup 2024, has an extraordinary tale of dedication and perseverance. Balancing a high-pressure cricket career with a demanding job as a software engineer at Oracle, Netravalkar’s story is one of inspiration and resilience.

Hailing from India, Netravalkar represented the country at the Under-19 level before migrating to the United States. However, his cricketing aspirations never waned. Juggling studies and cricket was a constant challenge, especially during his engineering days. The left-armer revealed, “My first-semester engineering exam clashed with the Under-19 World Cup in 2010 and I had to miss four of my six exams. And I got a KT.” He continued, “The next semester I gave like 10 exams in a row and there was no tournament. So, it was both, a mix of me willing to work harder and try to sacrifice a little bit of other things. But I used to love these two things. I was ready to do whatever it takes to pursue cricket and education.”

Despite these hurdles, Netravalkar’s passion for both cricket and academics drove him forward. His unwavering determination and time management skills allowed him to excel in both fields. Today, he stands as a testament to the belief that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve success in multiple domains.

Netravalkar’s cricketing prowess is undeniable. With impressive statistics of 73 wickets in 48 ODIs and 33 wickets in 33 T20Is, he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets has made him an invaluable asset to the USA cricket team.

The left-armer’s journey is a reminder that dreams can be achieved through sheer grit and determination. His story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and students alike, proving that with the right mindset, one can overcome any obstacle. As Netravalkar continues to shine both on and off the field, his legacy as a role model is only set to grow.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram