This could be the year: Natarajan on SRH debut

A component of the densely-populated fast-bowling department – which also comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Basil Thampi and Billy Stanlake – Natarajan was at the bottom of the pecking order in the previous two editions.

However, the 29-year-old, yet to make his Sunrisers debut, is optimistic that his time would finally arrive in IPL 2020. “I had a great domestic season with Tamil Nadu. Having trained at my academy for the last couple of months, I am in good rhythm. I am confident that I can deliver the goods when presented an opportunity,” Natarajan, who bagged 13 wickets for the state during the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 competition, told DT Next.

“In general, SRH has more (fast) bowlers when compared to other teams. Any (uncapped) player will find it difficult to break into the playing eleven. I learnt a lot of lessons from the seniors, including India international Bhuvneshwar, during IPL 2018 and 2019. I will do the same this year as well,” he said.

Salem-based Natarajan only warmed the benches under Tom Moody’s tutelage, but his fortunes could well change under the new leadership group, headed by 2019 World Cup-winning coach Trevor Bayliss. Asked if he has a point to prove to the new chief, he responded: “I don’t have to impress anyone. Only after looking at my strengths, Sunrisers picked me up in 2018 and has retained me for the last two years.

“Mentors VVS Laxman sir and Muttiah Muralitharan sir have been telling me that my opportunity would come soon. Till then, I will just keep working hard.” With the 13th edition of the league set to be organised in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between September 19 and November 10, Natarajan will step on foreign soil for the first time for cricketing reasons.

And, he can’t wait to make the trip to the Middle East. “I am excited about it. To travel with world-class players and experience top-notch facilities in UAE will be great. The trip will be of huge benefit,” he stated. Natarajan has held the audience spellbound with his toe-crushing yorkers in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and it is now time for him to deliver at the biggest stage.