NEW DELHI: He played a crucial role in USA’s famous win over Pakistan and also picked up two vital wickets against India in the last T20 World Cup, but while bowling in the Indian subcontinent, defence could be the smartest form of attack, feels USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar.

One of the three Mumbai-born players set to take the field against India in the T20 World Cup opener here on Saturday, Netravalkar is on the verge of a “dream debut” at the Wankhede Stadium, though he is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

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Defence Might Be the Best Attack

"The focus will more be on minimising the damage, like you're saying (there are) high scoring pitches here," Netravalkar told reporters on the eve of their match against India.

"Every ball that we bowl, (it should be) to the field, as long as we bowl to the field, we bowl to our matchups and maximise our chances."

"Defence might be the best attack on this kind of pitches and hopefully we induce a mistake on a false shot, that's the best we can do as bowlers on these wickets," he said.

Speaking about returning to the Wankhede Stadium, Netravalkar said the occasion carries deep personal meaning and represents a long-cherished dream coming true.

"It feels like a full circle moment for me because I learnt my cricket here. I grew up in Mumbai and getting an opportunity to play at Wankhede, which has been my dream since childhood as well," he said.

"… so nostalgic, emotional, (and) good to see (it happening). I'm looking forward for my family, friends to be there, and I'll give my best."

USA Hope to Inspire Future Generation

USA batter Sanjay Krishnamurthi said the team’s presence at such a stage could inspire young cricketers back home.

"For all Americans, this is a special moment for our country to be able to come here and play cricket in one of the most iconic stadiums against one of the best teams in the world right now," he said.

"It's going to inspire a future generation of cricketers to come and rise through the ranks in American cricket."

Reflecting on USA’s progress since their breakthrough Super Eight finish in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar said the side has grown significantly in experience.

"Since then, we've grown a lot in experience as a unit with obviously three seasons of Major League Cricket. Quite a few of our guys have got good gigs in franchise leagues around the world," he said.

"We've been also playing the 50-overs qualifiers for (the) 2027 (ODI) World Cup. So far, so good, we are top of the table. We are doing decently. That experience has increased and hopefully it shows on the field," Netravalkar added.

Netravalkar also pointed out that familiarity with Indian conditions within the squad could offer some advantage.

"It definitely helps, but frankly speaking, it's been a long time. Like last I played in India would be 2014, 2015, things have changed drastically," Netravalkar said.

"The game itself has changed drastically. It's become so much more aggressive from the better's perspective, so I wouldn't compare it. Yes, the experience helps, but the game is very different."

Asked whether players of Indian and Pakistani origin in the USA squad discuss geopolitical tensions, Netravalkar dismissed the notion.

"We are a group of people from multiple countries across the group and what brings us together is the love of the game. We are proud to represent the USA and that's what we focus on," he said.

Krishnamurthi, meanwhile, admitted the team will miss Aaron Jones, who has been suspended after being charged with five breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, but said the side has the depth to cope.

"Aaron's is a senior player in this team and he performed very well last World Cup, but we have a whole batting line of full of batters with quite a bit of experience and over the last two years in franchise cricket," Krishnamurthi said.

"Most of us have done quite well. We're going to miss him at the same time," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)