MUMBAI: Amid political tensions between India and Pakistan, US fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar said such issues were never discussed in the US team even though many players have roots in the two countries.The India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 league match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo is in doubt after Pakistan refused to field. However, on Friday, a day before the USA opener against India at the Wankhede Stadium, Netravalkar said the team remained focused only on representing the United States.
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“Yes, we have players from all parts of the world. We bond and bond over our love for the game. And no, I don’t think we have ever discussed the India-Pakistan issue with each other. At least I don’t think so. We are all proud to play for the USA and that’s what we focus on,” Netravalkar said.“We are a group of people from multiple countries across the board and what unites us is the love of the game. We are proud to represent the USA,” he added.For Netravalkar, the match against India will also be a personal milestone. The left-arm seamer grew up in Mumbai and learned cricket at the Wankhede. He said playing the venue would fulfill a long-term ambition.“It feels like a full-circle moment because I learned my cricket here. I grew up in Mumbai and got the opportunity to play at the Wankhede, which has been a dream of mine since childhood. So nostalgic, emotional and (and) good to see (it happening). I’m looking forward to having my family and friends there and giving it my all,” said the 34-year-old.Netravalkar said the presence of former Mumbai players in the US team, including Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane, provided some insight into Indian conditions, although he acknowledged that the game had changed significantly.“It definitely helps, but to be honest, it’s been a long time. For example, the last time I played in India was in 2014, 2015, things have changed drastically. The game itself has changed drastically. It’s become much more aggressive from the point of view of the better ones, so I wouldn’t compare it. Yes, the experience helps, but the game is very different,” he said.Netravalkar was part of the US team that beat Pakistan in Dallas a couple of years ago, taking 2 for 18 in four overs and taking seven wickets. On Indian pitches, he said the approach will be different, with a focus on damage control.“The focus is going to be more on minimizing damage, as you say (there are) high scoring pitches. Every ball we throw, (it should be) downfield if we get down the field, throw ourselves into our games and maximize our chances. Defense can be the best offense on these kinds of pitches, and hopefully we’re going to cause offense on those pitches if they can make those fake shots.
