'India is my Janmabhoomi. Absolutely, I'll sing Indian National Anthem': USA cricketer makes promise

Saurabh Netravalkar, who has emerged as one of the standout players in the USA squad has made a huge admission ahead of the start of the India vs USA T20 World Cup game at the Nassau County International Stadium.  Netravalkar, who hails from Maharashtra, India, has made it known that while he is representing the USA as a cricketer, he is an "Indian" and India will forever remain his "Janmabhoomi (Birthplace)" He labelled USA as his "Karmabhoomi (Workplace)."

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USA player Saurabh Netravalkar on the rise

After orchestrating the USA's incredible win over Pakistan in the Super Over in the Group A encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Saurabh Netravalkar has become a household name. Upon noting his performance, fans have become curious about him and why he is not an Indian player despite being born in India and having started his career in India. Netravalkar featured for India in the ICC U-19 World Cup side that was played in New Zealand.

As opportunities were hard to come by in the competitive scene of India, Saurabh Netravalkar decided to shift his base to the USA. He moved to the US in 2015 to complete his higher studies. He got into Cornell University, New York and a career outside cricket was formed. He has been rendering his services to the software giant Oracle, but his passion for cricket stayed along. Ironically, on Wednesday, he will be bowling against a team, whose jersey he once dreamed of donning. Despite being in the opposition camp, Saurabh Netravalkar has acknowledged the fact that he is an Indian.

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Saurabh Netravalkar on whether he will sing India's national anthem

Ahead of the start of the India vs USA T20 World CUP 2024 match, Saurabh Netravalkar addressed the query of whether he will sing the Indian national anthem during the India vs USA match.

Answering the question, Netravalkar said "Oh absolutely! I am an Indian, so I would put it like, India is my Janmabhoomi (birthplace) and this is my Karmabhoomi (workplace). So I respect both. It'll be nice for me. A great feeling for me." Netravalkar told ESPN.