IPL 2025: Back from shoulder injury, Natarajan keen to fire for Delhi Capitals | Cricket News

T Natarajan (Photo Credit: X)

CHENNAI: Delhi Capitals left-arm medium-pacer T Natarajan will have a tough job on his hands in the upcoming IPL season, because of different contributing factors.
Firstly, Natarajan will head into the 18th edition with little gametime under his belt; he last featured in the Tamil Nadu Premier League in July-August, being away from the grind of competitive cricket for many months due to a shoulder injury.
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Secondly, the 33-year-old is no longer in the familiar confines of Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was quite successful during his seven-season stint. Next is the price-tag pressure that he will have to handle, after being snapped up for Rs 10.75 crore at the mega auction.
While Natarajan is set for a challenging IPL campaign, he is optimistic about navigating difficult times by relying on his experience.
“I have been part of the IPL for the last eight years, so I am able to manage situations better. What I have been doing, I want to do better. That is what I have been thinking about,” Natarajan, currently in the Capitals pre-season camp, told TOI.
“Irrespective of what happens, I will never lose my confidence. Even when things do not go my way, I believe that I will be able to make a comeback. The support-staff members at DC have been motivating me, they have been taking good care of me. I have a support system that I can bank on. When the coaches say some nice words during my tough times, it helps me recover faster,” added Natarajan, who had 19 scalps in 14 appearances in IPL 2024.
Returning to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Tamil Nadu bowler admitted that it may take time to get back to Natarajan of old, but he is positive about finding his groove again.
“There will be some doubts considering that I will be playing after a long time. It will be running in the back of my mind. It will depend on how confident I am (on whether he has got his rhythm back). We will get a clear picture after I play a few practice matches. Things will get better after I attend more training sessions and play practice games.”
In a bid to become the force that he was, Natarajan has been leaning on head coach Hemang Badani.
“I have known him for quite a few years now, but this is the first time I am playing under him. He knows how to extract the best from his players. He stresses mainly on one thing – do whatever you are doing with confidence. He emphasises on the need to work and correct our mistakes,” said Natarajan, a death-overs specialist.
‘Hoping to learn some new tricks from Mitchell Starc’
Natarajan is eagerly awaiting the arrival of left-arm pace colleague Mitchell Starc, whose brains he wishes to pick.
“Every bowler will have something new up his sleeve, so I am looking forward to learning from Starc. I have a lot of expectations, and I hope that I can pick up something different from him. I have not spoken to him yet, I am waiting to meet him,” said Natarajan.