USA Cricketer Netravalkar Dismisses India-Pakistan Politics as Team Topic, Stresses Unity
In the midst of ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, USA fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar has revealed that such geopolitical issues have never been a subject of discussion within the United States national cricket team. This statement comes despite the fact that many players in the squad have roots in the two South Asian nations.
Focus on Representing USA Amid Tournament Uncertainties
The India-Pakistan league-stage match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, is currently in doubt after Pakistan refused to participate. However, speaking on Friday, just a day before USA's tournament opener against India at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, Netravalkar emphasized that the American squad remains solely focused on representing their country.
"Yes, we have players from all parts of the world," Netravalkar stated. "We gel and bond together because of our love for the game. And no, I don't think we have ever discussed the India-Pakistan issues amongst ourselves. I don't think so at least. We are all proud to play for USA and that's what we focus on."
He further elaborated, "We are a group of people from multiple countries across the globe, and what brings us together is the love of the game. We are proud to represent the USA."
A Personal Milestone at Wankhede Stadium
For Netravalkar, the upcoming match against India holds significant personal meaning. The left-arm seamer, who grew up in Mumbai and honed his cricketing skills at the Wankhede Stadium, described the opportunity as a full-circle moment.
"It feels like a full circle moment for me because I learnt my cricket here," he expressed. "I grew up in Mumbai, and getting an opportunity to play at Wankhede, which has been my dream since childhood as well. So nostalgic, emotional, good to see it happening. I'm looking forward to my family and friends being there, and I'll give my best." The 34-year-old bowler shared these heartfelt sentiments ahead of the crucial encounter.
Experience and Adaptation in Indian Conditions
Netravalkar noted that the presence of former Mumbai players in the USA squad, such as Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane, provides some understanding of Indian playing conditions. However, he acknowledged that the game has evolved dramatically over the years.
"It definitely helps, but frankly speaking, it's been a long time," he admitted. "Like, I last played in India in 2014, 2015, things have changed drastically. The game itself has changed drastically. It's become so much more aggressive from the batter's perspective, so I wouldn't compare it. Yes, the experience helps, but the game is very different."
Strategic Approach for High-Scoring Pitches
Reflecting on past successes, Netravalkar was part of the USA team that secured a notable victory over Pakistan in Dallas a couple of years ago, where he took 2 for 18 in four overs during a seven-wicket win. For the Indian pitches, he outlined a different tactical approach, centered on damage control.
"The focus will more be on minimising the damage, like you're saying there are high-scoring pitches here," he explained. "Every ball that we bowl, it should be to the field, as long as we bowl to the field, we bowl to our matchups and maximise our chances. Defence might be the best attack on this kind of pitches, and hopefully we induce a mistake on a false shot. That's the best we can do as bowlers on these wickets."
As the T20 World Cup progresses, Netravalkar and his teammates aim to leverage their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for cricket to make a strong impact on the international stage, setting aside external political narratives in favor of sporting excellence.
