Saurabh Netravalkar, the software engineer who led the U.S. cricket team to a stunning victory over Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup, is now setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 34-year-old fast bowler left India to study in the United States in 2015, thinking his cricket days were over. After a stint in recreational and club cricket, he debuted for the U.S. national team in 2019, three years into his job at Oracle.
For years, Netravalkar kept his weekend cricket tournaments a secret from his colleagues. Now, his remarkable story is the subject of a documentary set to air on Willow TV this month.
"The Long Game: Saurabh Netravalkar, Between Two Worlds" chronicles his journey in tech and cricket. The film recreates his memories through animation, including nightmare sequences where his ego questions whether he can succeed.
Netravalkar says the film brought him to tears. "I'm very comfortable being a raw version of myself and just put it out there," he said.
With cricket returning to the Olympics for the first time in 2028, Netravalkar aims to stay fit and compete. The qualification format has not been announced, but the U.S. may get a spot as hosts.
Netravalkar says his IT background gives him an edge on the pitch. "At an elite level, it's more of a mental sport... the analytical skills and algorithmic thinking from my IT job help me prepare better as a cricketer," he said.