Cornell graduate, Oracle employee: All about Saurabh Netravalkar, the hero of USA win over Pakistan

Saurabh Netravalkar: The hero of US' win over Pakistan (Pic Courtesy- X:@T20WorldCup)

In a jaw-dropping upset that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the USA pulled off a monumental victory over Pakistan in a group A showdown on Thursday evening, marking one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history, whether it's T20 or ODI.

One of the players crucial in Pakistan's defeat was Indian-born Saurabh Netravalkar, who also has a full-time job as principal member of technical staff at Oracle, which is one of the biggest cloud solutions providers in the world.

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Soon after his heroics, the tech major congratulated US national cricket team player, after the Indian-origin bowler helped his team pull off one of the greatest upsets in the sport’s world cup history, dealing a blow to Pakistan’s T20 tournament hopes.

“Congrats @USACricket on a historic result! Proud of the team and our very own engineering and cricket star @Saurabh_Netra #T20WorldCup,” the US-based firm said.

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On June 7, Netravalkar delivered an exceptional performance in the Super Over against Pakistan to defend 18 runs, ensuring that his side claimed the two points that took them to the top of the points table.

Congrats @USACricket on a historic result! Proud of the team and our very own engineering and cricket star @Saurabh_Netra#T20WorldCuphttps://t.co/adk6OZLide

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— Oracle (@Oracle) June 7, 2024

The techie-cum-cricketer is also a Cornell University graduate. He also completed his bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Mumbai.

Soon after the post went viral, several netizens chipped in. A user said the International Cricket Board was finally successful in initiating the sport in America. "ICC has successfully injected cricket in America . Hope the sport gets more recognition now there," the user said in a post on X.

Interestingly, several accounts asked the tech firm about Netravalkar's appraisal. "He needs a 40% appraisal for this performance," said Vipin Tiwari, a cricket enthusiast, on X. Another user asked, "How much of a hike are you all giving him now?"

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The spotlight was on Mumbai-born Saurabh Netravalkar as he delivered a spectacular Super Over performance to propel the USA to an astonishing triumph over Babar Azam's Pakistan. Tasked with defending a challenging 18 runs in the high-pressure eliminator in Dallas, Netravalkar rose to the occasion, defying the odds and displaying nerves of steel to secure the win for his team. With precision and composure, he conceded just 13 runs, sealing a historic victory that left Pakistan reeling.

Formerly donning the India jersey at the junior level, Netravalkar dealt a devastating blow to Pakistan's aspirations of a flawless start in the 2024 T20 World Cup, igniting hope among aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Netravalkar showcased his prowess as a left-arm pacer with the ability to generate pace and bounce on any surface, a skill he demonstrated to perfection against Pakistan.

After making the move to the United States in 2015, Netravalkar's journey came full circle as he etched his name in cricketing lore nearly a decade later. Having also plied his trade in India's Ranji Trophy and shared the field with cricketing luminaries such as KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Harshal Patel, Netravalkar's dedication and talent shone through as he balanced his role as a Senior Software Engineer at Oracle with his passion for cricket.

His remarkable journey reached a pinnacle at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he played an instrumental role in the USA's historic triumph, showcasing his unwavering determination and resilience.

Reflecting on his past, Netravalkar's redemption story came full circle, with the bitter memories of defeat at the hands of Babar's Pakistan in the 2010 U19 World Cup fading into oblivion. Fourteen years later, he emerged as a beacon of hope for the USA, orchestrating a poetic turnaround with a mesmerizing Super Over performance that will be etched in cricketing annals for years to come.