Saurabh Netravalkar, the India-born left-arm pacer representing the United States, expressed his disappointment after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, despite entering with high hopes following his standout performances in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Netravalkar had gained significant attention during the tournament, particularly for his remarkable ability to defend 18 runs in a Super Over against Pakistan and for taking the crucial wickets of Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
High Hopes and Competitive Pool
Entering the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakhs, Netravalkar was optimistic about securing a contract. He reflected on his experience, stating, “Firstly, grateful for getting shortlisted in the final auction list.
Yes, the child in me had hopes for sure!” However, when his name was announced by auctioneer Mallika Sagar, no teams showed interest, leaving him without a contract.
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the player pool, he noted that many top players also went unsold, which helped him come to terms with the outcome.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s Performance Highlights
Netravalkar’s journey to the auction was marked by impressive performances on the international stage.
During the T20 World Cup, he emerged as a key player for the USA, showcasing his skills against some of cricket’s biggest names.
His ability to perform under pressure was evident in matches where he played pivotal roles in tight situations. This background fueled his expectations going into the IPL auction.
Future Aspirations
Despite the setback of not being picked in IPL 2025, Netravalkar remains optimistic about his future in cricket. He expressed excitement about watching the upcoming season and plans to continue honing his skills.
“I’ll keep working harder and trying to get better and come back stronger hopefully next year,” he stated. His commitment to improvement reflects his determination to make a mark in future tournaments.
