Cricket

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) super auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, has attracted a diverse pool of 1,574 players, including notable names from England, Italy, and the United States.Among the top Indian players released by their franchises are Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, R Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal. These players have a base price of Rs 2 crore each. Other prominent Indian players on the list include Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Deepak Chahar, Ishan Kishan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, all with a base price of Rs 2 crore.International players also feature prominently in the auction pool. Former England pacer James Anderson, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year, has registered for the IPL for the first time with a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. Italian quick Thomas Draca, the first Italian player to sign up for the IPL, has a base price of Rs 30 lakh.India-born USA medium pacer Saurabh Netravalkar, who impressed at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, will also go under the hammer with a base salary of Rs 30 lakh. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was unsold in previous auctions, has entered the race with a starting price of Rs 2 crore. Mitchell Starc, an Australian pacer who cost Rs 24.50 crore at the last IPL auction, is back in the running with a base price of Rs 2 crore. England pacer Jofra Archer, who last competed in the 2023 edition, is also priced at the same base level.IPL teams can assemble a squad of 25 players each, with up to six players allowed to be retained prior to the super auction. After 10 teams collectively retained 46 players, there will be 204 spots available. Punjab Kings have the highest available funds with Rs 110.5 crore, while Mumbai Indians have the lowest with Rs 45 crore.

Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U-19 cricketer, has carved a unique path for himself by balancing a successful career in computer science with his passion for cricket. After moving to the United States for higher education, Netravalkar pursued a degree in computer science while continuing to excel in cricket.His exceptional cricketing skills eventually led him to become the captain of the United States national cricket team. Under his leadership, the team has made significant strides on the international stage. Netravalkar's crowning achievement came in the recent T20 World Cup, where he orchestrated a stunning victory over former champions Pakistan.Despite his demanding profession as a Senior Software Engineer at Oracle, Netravalkar remains deeply committed to cricket. In a recent interview, he shared his insights on how he manages to balance his dual passions."It's all about love and passion," Netravalkar explained. "I'm passionate about both tech and cricket, so it doesn't feel like work. I just have to find the time and compartmentalize."Netravalkar believes that his experiences in both fields complement each other. "From tech to cricket, data analytics is becoming increasingly important in strategy," he said. "Knowing how analysis works helps me identify patterns that can make a difference in close games."Conversely, cricket has taught him valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance. "I've learned how to handle failure and bounce back," he said. "That same mindset applies to my work in tech."As a left-arm medium-fast bowler, Netravalkar's ability to swing the ball and maintain a disciplined line and length has made him a formidable asset for the US cricket team. His career trajectory is a testament to his academic excellence and international cricketing achievements.

Washington Freedom, owned by Sanjay Govil, is gearing up for the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) with renewed optimism. Led by captain Steve Smith and coach Ricky Ponting, the team boasts a formidable roster featuring international stars like Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, and Saurabh Netravalkar.Govil expressed confidence in the team's ability to succeed, citing their competitive lineup and the growing popularity of cricket in the US. He highlighted the recent CBS news report indicating that over 35 million Americans watch cricket, making it the fifth largest cricket media market for the ICC.The success of the T20 World Cup in the US, particularly the India-Pakistan match in New York, has significantly increased awareness and generated excitement for the sport. Govil believes that the US has a huge appetite for sports and that cricket is well-positioned to gain a significant following.He emphasized the importance of passion in driving the growth of cricket in the US, noting that every owner in the MLC is willing to invest in the sport. He also highlighted the interest from advertisers, with Verizon being a major sponsor for Washington Freedom.Govil expressed gratitude for the ICC's decision to grant MLC List-A status, which provides additional motivation for players to perform at their best. He also praised Saurabh Netravalkar, a rising star in US cricket who has impressed with his bowling skills and humble demeanor.With cricket set to be part of the Olympics in LA 2028, Govil anticipates a surge in investment and infrastructure development for the sport in the US. He believes that the US has the potential to excel in cricket and that the Olympics will provide a major impetus for its growth.

The T20 World Cup has witnessed a historic moment as newcomers USA have advanced to the Super 8 stage, eliminating Pakistan in the process. This remarkable achievement has been largely attributed to the exceptional performance of Saurabh Netravalkar, a left-arm pacer who has played a pivotal role in USA's success.Netravalkar, an AI engineer by profession, has seamlessly balanced his passion for cricket with his demanding career. After matches, he diligently works remotely for his employer, Oracle, from the comfort of his hotel room.Oracle's appreciation post for their star employee has sparked a wave of support from fans, who have urged the software company to grant Netravalkar leave during the tournament and reward him with a pay hike.Netravalkar, a Cornell University alumnus, has demonstrated an unwavering love for both cricket and coding. "When you love something, it is never a job for you," he remarked. "I love bowling and out-thinking batters on the field, and I love coding off the field."The US team has capitalized on their home advantage to make a stunning debut in this major cricket tournament. Their Super 8 appearance has also secured their automatic qualification for the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup.Netravalkar's exceptional performance has not only propelled USA to the next round but has also earned him widespread recognition. His ability to juggle his professional and sporting commitments has inspired many, showcasing the power of passion and dedication.

Saurabh Netravalkar, the star USA pacer, has expressed his gratitude to Oracle for their unwavering support, which has enabled him to balance his passion for cricket alongside his thriving tech career.Netravalkar, a Mumbai native, has made a name for himself in the cricketing world while also pursuing a career as a software engineer. As the leading bowler for the United States cricket team, Netravalkar burst on the international stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup, capturing the attention of both fans and experts.In a span of three matches, Netravalkar has claimed an impressive four wickets, with his most notable scalps being those of Indian batting stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, getting out on a first-ball duck, during the India-USA encounter. His performances have earned him well-deserved recognition.Netravalkar's exceptional performance in the USA's thrilling match against Pakistan showcased his skill and composure under pressure. In a tense 'Super Over,' he successfully defended a target of 18 runs, leading his team to a stunning victory over the former champions.Beyond the cricket field, Netravalkar perfectly juggles his responsibilities as a software engineer at Oracle with his dedication to the sport. Balancing a demanding professional career and his commitments to cricket requires discipline and effective time management.Netravalkar appreciates Oracle's commitment to fostering a flexible and encouraging work environment, allowing him to excel in both fields. This support has been instrumental in his journey, providing the necessary resources and understanding to pursue his dual aspirations.Netravalkar took to social media platform X, thanking his company for pursuing his dreams, and stated, "Thank you so much @Oracle for your support in enabling me to pursue my passion alongside my tech career!"Netravalkar's success story is a testament to Oracle's dedication to their employees' personal and professional growth, demonstrating that with the right support, it's possible to achieve excellence in multiple arenas.

Saurabh Netravalkar, the Mumbai-born USA pacer, has emerged as a star performer in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. His impressive performances have not only caught the attention of cricket fans but also earned him praise from legendary Indian cricketers.Netravalkar's journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. He represented India in the 2010 U19 World Cup before moving to the United States to pursue his engineering studies. Despite his academic commitments, Netravalkar continued to play cricket and eventually made his debut for the USA national team in 2022.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar has been a key figure for USA. He delivered a nerveless Super Over to secure a thrilling victory against Pakistan in their opening match. In the subsequent game against India, he dismissed both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.After the match against India, Netravalkar expressed his emotions, saying, "It was an emotional moment for me. I played the 2010 U19 World Cup for India too, and it was a special feeling to play against them."Netravalkar's performances have not gone unnoticed by former Indian cricketers. Navjot Singh Sidhu praised him for his all-round abilities, saying, "You're all-in-one my friend! You're an engineer, you're Suryakumar Yadav's friend, and now you're taking wickets against India! Love you."Harbhajan Singh also joined in the chorus of praise, saying, "I wanted to thank him for that Super Over against Pakistan. And the courage he showed while bowling today (against India) won my heart."Netravalkar's efforts have been instrumental in USA's impressive run in the tournament. With four wickets in three matches at an economy rate of just 5.20, he has played a crucial role in helping his team qualify for the Super 8.USA will face Ireland on June 14 in a match that will determine their fate in the tournament. A victory over Ireland will send USA through to the Super 8 from Group A, confirming Pakistan's elimination in the process.

Saurabh Netravalkar's journey from Mumbai journeyman to T20 World Cup sensation has been a remarkable one. After struggling to break into the Indian cricket scene, Netravalkar pursued a career in coding at Oracle. However, his passion for cricket remained, and he continued to play for the USA national team.Netravalkar's breakthrough moment came in the T20 World Cup Super Over against Pakistan, where he dismissed Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to secure a thrilling victory. His performance caught the attention of the cricketing world, and he followed it up with the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's match against the USA.Netravalkar's success is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Despite facing setbacks in his cricket career, he never gave up on his dream. He also credits his success to his ability to balance his passions for cricket and coding."I am just happy that I can pursue both my passions," Netravalkar said. "It is all happening very fast and I am in the process of digesting it."Netravalkar's performance has not only been a personal triumph but also a boost for cricket in the USA. The co-hosts of the T20 World Cup are hoping to use the tournament to grow the sport in the country, and Netravalkar's success is a major step in that direction."If our performances help the sport grow here and become part of the school and college curriculum, we will know we are on the right track," Netravalkar said.

India-born American medium pacer Saurabh Netravalkar's heartwarming reunion with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav after the T20 World Cup match in New York was a testament to their shared past and the enduring bonds of cricket. Netravalkar, who has been a standout performer for the USA in the tournament, reminisced about his playing days with his former Mumbai teammates, recalling jokes, casual conversations, and dressing room banter.Netravalkar's journey to the international stage has been a unique one. After representing India in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, he shifted his focus to pursue higher education in the US, where he now works as a software engineer at Oracle. However, his passion for cricket remained strong, and he found a new outlet in the USA national team, which comprises players from India, Pakistan, and the West Indies.Netravalkar's performances at the T20 World Cup have been nothing short of exceptional. He played a pivotal role in the thrilling Super Over victory against Pakistan and dismissed Virat Kohli for a golden duck, showcasing his skill and determination. Reflecting on his bowling strategy, Netravalkar credited the pitch conditions for assisting the bowlers, emphasizing the importance of hitting the top of the stumps and letting the pitch create the variation.Despite his success on the field, Netravalkar remains grounded and values his career at Oracle. He finds joy in balancing both aspects of his life, recognizing the importance of both his professional and sporting pursuits.Netravalkar's journey is a testament to the challenges and decisions that shape our paths. He made a practical call to pursue higher education when he wasn't making it big in India, but his love for cricket never waned. He is grateful for the opportunity to represent the USA and is determined to make the most of his second chance to pursue his passion.

USA's Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm pacer who rose to fame with his Super Over heroics against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, continued his impressive run against India by claiming the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Netravalkar's ability to take important wickets has made him a formidable force in international cricket. His success against top-tier opposition has showcased his talent and potential on the global stage.In the Group A clash at the Nassau Stadium in New York, Netravalkar left the crowd in awe as he sent star India batter Kohli for a golden duck. Kohli attempted to navigate a delivery that curved towards the off side but ended up reaching for it, making contact with the ball away from his body. The outside edge carried the ball directly into the gloves of wicketkeeper Andries Gous.Netravalkar gave India another big jolt in his next over with the dismissal of captain Rohit for 3, leaving India 10/2 in their pursuit of 111. It was a full-length delivery that gripped the pitch slightly, causing Rohit to close his bat face too early. The ball took a leading edge and ballooned into the air, with Harmeet Singh running back from mid-off to secure the catch.Mumbai-born Netravalkar played a pivotal role in the USA's stunning victory over former champions Pakistan last week. The 32-year-old delivered a superb performance in the Super Over, securing his side's unexpected win against Pakistan.An alumnus of the prestigious Cornell University and a senior techie (coder) at Oracle, Netravalkar has been juggling academics and cricket with aplomb. Netravalkar, who played for India in the 2010 U-19 World Cup, has shared the dressing room with the likes of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, even playing the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai.