Key Highlights
- USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar says players do not discuss India-Pakistan issues.
- The 2026 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Colombo is in doubt.
- Netravarkar highlights the focus on playing for USA over personal politics.
Amid political tensions, the cricketing world faces a delicate balance. In an interview ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar offered a candid insight into his squad’s mindset. “We have players from all parts of the world,” he began, “and we gel and bond together because of our love for the game.” Netravarkar, speaking on Friday, emphasized that such issues as India-Pakistan relations are not topics of discussion within the US team.
USA’s Focus: Love for the Game
“No I don’t think we have ever discussed the India-Pakistan issues amongst ourselves,” Netravarkar continued. “We are all proud to play for USA and that’s what we focus on.” The 34-year-old left-arm seamer, who grew up in Mumbai and learned his cricket at the Wankhede Stadium, expressed pride in representing the United States. His match against India will be a personal milestone as well, marking a full circle moment after learning his craft there.
Approach to Indian Pitches
“The presence of former Mumbai players like Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane does help,” Netravarkar admitted. “But things have changed drastically since my last stint in India.” He acknowledged the game’s evolution, noting that it has become more aggressive from both sides.
Defensive Strategy
“The focus will be on minimising the damage,” he explained. “On these high-scoring pitches, every ball we bowl should go to the field, maximising our chances.” Netravarkar highlighted that defence might be the best attack on such surfaces, with the aim being to induce a mistake from an opponent’s false shot.
Meanwhile, the India-Pakistan match scheduled for Colombo is in doubt after Pakistan’s refusal to participate. The USA squad remains focused and prepared for their opener against India at the Wankhede Stadium, with Netravarkar expressing confidence in their collective goal of representing the United States with pride.
For cricket enthusiasts, this situation underscores the complex interplay between global politics and international sports. As Netravarkar’s words echo through the corridors of Wankhede, one can only hope that the game unites rather than divides us in these challenging times.
