T20 World Cup 2024: ‘It was an emotional moment’ – Saurabh Netravalkar recalls dismissing Virat Kohli

USA left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar has opened up on his dismissal of star Indian batter Virat Kohli calling it an emotional moment. Notably, Netravalkar dismissed he batting stalwart during India’s clash against USA during the 25th match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Wednesday, June 12 at Nassau Country International Cricket Stadium, New York.

The 32-year-old fast bowler from Mumbai exposed Virat Kohli’s weakness outside the off stump as he made him push at the very first ball of his innings and edge it to the wicketkeeper for a golden duck. Apart from him, Netravalkar also got the big scalp of India captain Rohit Sharma to give early trouble to India in their chase of 111.

“I am just happy that I can pursue both my passions. It is all happening very fast and I am in the process of digesting it. These last two games were really high-profile. It was an emotional moment to get Virat’s wicket. I was looking to hit off-stump and it worked out well,” Netravalkar told Times of India.

Netravalkar is good friends with Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav who even congratulated him after his super over heroics against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The Mumbai-born cricketer also revealed that even Kohli congratulated him on his achievement.

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“I know Surya from my U-15, U-17 days, we were talking about our dressing-room banter. I didn’t know Virat personally but he did congratulate me,” he added.

Netravalkar’s Varied Interests

Ever since defending 18 runs against Pakistani the super over, Netravalkar has been making headlines in the cricketing world for his diverse profile. Notably, the left-arm seamer played for India in the U-19 World Cup 2010 and later migrated to USA where he works as a developer in Oracle.

Videos of Netravalkar playing the Ukele have been also going viral on social media making him a true ‘all rounder’ in life. The left-arm seamer is the highest wicket taker of his team so far in the tournament with 4 wickets from 3 innings at an average of 13 and an economy of 5.20.

He will be eager to continue his good from as USA take on Ireland in their last Group A fixture on Friday, June 14. The Monank Patel-led side will look to win their last fixture to qualify to the Super 8 stage.