USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar reminisced about removing Indian batting great Virat Kohli for a first-ball duck during their 2024 T20 World Cup encounter in New York. Featuring in a Group A match, the USA managed a modest total of 110/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
While chasing, India suffered an early setback as Kohli was dismissed without scoring on the second delivery of the innings. Netravalkar produced a superb seaming-away ball that caught the outside edge, with the wicketkeeper completing a sharp catch to spark celebrations in the USA camp.
Looking back on the moment ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar said on Star Sports:
“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.”
“Watching Virat Kohli Live Was A Fanboy Moment” – Saurabh Netravalkar
Saurabh Netravalkar admitted that watching Virat Kohli live during their 2024 T20 World Cup clash felt like a fanboy moment. However, the USA pacer said the magnitude of dismissing the Indian batting icon truly dawned on him only after the match, once 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,” said Netravalkar (via the aforementioned source).
He further concluded:
“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.”
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