Indian-Born Cricketer Balances Tech Career with US National Team Captaincy
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.