USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar recently looked back at one of the most talked-about moments from the 2024 T20 World Cup — dismissing Indian great Virat Kohli for a golden duck. The incident occurred during a Group A match in New York, where the USA struggled with the bat and could only manage 110 for eight in their 20 overs. Despite the modest total, the American side began their defence with unexpected intensity.
On just the second ball of India’s reply, Kohli edged a well-pitched delivery that seamed away and was caught behind, sending shockwaves through the stadium and delighting the USA camp. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar shared his thoughts on the dismissal while speaking to Star Sports, explaining that the wicket was not something he actively planned.
“It was a similar ball to what I bowled to Rizwan. The plan was very simple, first ball of the game, you want to hit the top of the off-stump. I didn’t think of getting a wicket as such off the first ball. I just wanted to execute a good ball with a good-length ball, and I am glad it seemed slightly just enough to get his nick.”
India’s Calm Response After The Early Shock
Although Virat Kohli’s early exit briefly lifted USA’s hopes, the rest of the contest followed a predictable script. Team India responded calmly, with the middle order ensuring there were no further hiccups. India chased down the target with ease, finishing the game in the penultimate over and winning with seven wickets to spare.
The result underlined the depth and composure of the Indian batting unit, even after losing their most experienced batter at the very start of the innings. For the USA, however, the match still carried significance, as it marked one of their most memorable moments on the global stage, especially against a cricketing powerhouse like India.
A Fan-Boy Moment That Sank In Later
Saurabh Netravalkar also admitted that facing Kohli in person was surreal. He revealed that the magnitude of the moment truly struck him only after the match, once messages and reactions began pouring in. “Watching him live itself was a little bit of a fan-boy moment for me when I first saw them in the warm-ups. And when I stepped up at my bowling run-up, I saw, like I look to see the batter, to see the first ball.”
“Just seeing him take stance, I’ve watched him on TV so much. When I got into my zone, it was just about executing my plan. Later on, after the game, it digested based on the people’s comments and the love and support I got. It was a pretty special moment, I would say for me.”
Netravalkar went on to enjoy a strong 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up six wickets at an average below 21 with an economy rate of 6.83. Kohli, despite a quiet tournament overall, finished on a high with a match-winning performance in the final, scoring 76 off 59 balls and playing a key role in India’s seven-run victory over South Africa.
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