The USA players have expressed their excitement at facing India in the Group A encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on June 12, Wednesday. In a video released by Star Sports, the USA players opened up about hosting India and playing against them for the very first time in an international match. However, it would not be a cakewalk for India as the resurgent USA team are also coming off 2 straight wins in T20 World Cup 2024.
USA’s left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar welcomed team India to the Americas as he was looking to keep the nerves in control against a big team like India.
“Team. India, welcome to the United States of America. If we play our best game, we can sort of compete against top cricketers. So we’ll try to take one game at a time and not get overwhelmed by the star players and try to bowl to a batsman or bat against the bowler. We try to keep it simple,” Netravalkar said.
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Friends turn opponents
Netravalkar had earlier said that it would be an emotional game for him. He represented India in the U-19 World Cup, alongside KL Rahul, Mayank Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat. He had emerged as the USA’s Super Over hero by defending 19 runs against Pakistan.
The USA team’s captain, Monank Patel, also showcased his excitement on coming out for the toss alongside the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, who was his favourite player.
“You dream about these kinds of things and suddenly, you know, you see yourself with Rohit Sharma on the toss. You know, it’s like it’s unreal, it will be a high-pressure game. Honestly, we don’t want to focus too much on it right now. We want to play the brand of cricket we want to play against all the teams,” Monank said.
Monank was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his half-century during the last encounter against Pakistan in Dallas.
Will USA put up good show?
USA’s bowling all-rounder Harmeet Singh revealed that he has played alongside Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel in India colours.
“Growing up, I used to look up at Rohit. Sharma. Rohit comes from my school. I’ll take things as they come. But Sanju and Kuldeep, I have played U-19 with them. Axar and I played together. So it will be fun catching up and playing against them,” Harmeet said.
Ali Khan was also eager to be up against star India player Virat Kohli and called the battle fire against fire.
“Well, Virat is of course, always been one of the favourites and coming up against him and playing against him. It would be really, really good. He is very passionate on the field, but so am I on the field? If things get heated up, then they get hit it up? I mean, you play fire with fire, he’s right up there. You know, they call him King for a reason.,” Ali said.
India have won their last 2 matches and might start as overwhelming favourites against the USA. However, the USA team will look to put up a good show.
Source Agencies
