In a mesmerising spectacle on the cricket field, Saurabh Netravalkar wove a dreamlike performance against his home nation during the USA’s clash with India in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in New York. Hailing from the ranks of Oracle as a software engineer, Netravalkar orchestrated a symphony of skill, stunning the cricket world by dispatching India’s batting maestros, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, within the initial throes of the match.
With the ball in hand, his 30-year-old left arm unleashed a fierce onslaught, disrupting India’s defence of a modest 110 runs in the Group A match. While many Indian fans admired his fiery performance against cricket giants, some resorted to hurling insults to tarnish his achievement.
Descending into discourtesy, fervent Kohli supporters flooded Netravalkar’s Instagram with hateful messages. One wrote, “Kiddo Don’t Show Aggression Infront Of God Of Aggression,” while another, hiding behind online anonymity, threatened, “I am leaving because I was born in India, otherwise I come to abuse Kohli and Rohit about getting out.” This wave of abuse seemed never-ending, shedding light on the darker side of sportsmanship.
Despite facing criticism, Netravalkar’s outstanding performance with the new ball stood out. Given the crucial task of starting the bowling attack against India’s strong lineup, he immediately left his mark. His very first delivery caused Virat Kohli to edge the ball, leading to a significant dismissal. The following delivery, a clever slower ball, outwitted Rohit Sharma, further showcasing Netravalkar’s dominance.
Also Read: ‘Come Back to India’: Memes Fly After Saurabh Netravalkar Takes Kohli, Rohit’s Wicket in IND vs USA
In a twist of fate, Netravalkar made history by becoming the first bowler to dismiss Virat Kohli for a golden duck in an ICC tournament. This, combined with Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, marked only the second time in Kohli’s T20I career that he suffered such humiliation.
As Netravalkar continues to impress with his exceptional talent, it’s disappointing to witness the negative response from certain quarters. In a realm where sportsmanship should prevail, the mocking behaviour from Kohli’s loyal fans highlights the importance of respect and civility in the game.
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