I want to come back as old Natarajan – Pacer ahead of the IPL auction

T Natarajan had last played a competitive match back in April 2021 when he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.

However, the left-arm seamer was ruled out of the second phase of the tournament due to a knee injury. Natarajan is feeling fresh now after recovering and wants to come back as an old version of himself.

Meanwhile, Natarajan had impressed while playing in IPL 2020 for the Orange Army as he had scalped 16 wickets in 16 matches. Natarajan had hogged the limelight with his accurate yorkers and also has a good slower one to bamboozle the batters.

The left-arm seamer was not retained by SRH ahead of the auction and he has set his base price at INR 1 crore.

“I’m not thinking too much about it [the auction]. IPL, another T20 World Cup – there are talks about 2022 being a big year – but I just want to focus on my strengths and keep working hard. If I do that, the rest of the things will fall in place. I’m coming back after a long break, so I’ll be lying if I say I’m not nervous.”

“I’ve done well in the IPL and for India before, so people will expect strong performances from me. Once I play one or two matches, I will hit my rhythm and will be more clear with my plans. I’m feeling refreshed now and just want to keep doing whatever has worked for me in the past – focusing on my yorkers and cutters. I want to come back as the old Natarajan,” the 30-year-old told ESPNCricinfo.

Natarajan’s career has been hampered by injuries and Covid in the last year and he would aim to make a solid comeback. The fast bowler from Salem has picked a total of 20 wickets in 24 IPL matches he has played.

Meanwhile, Natarajan was part of the Tamil Nadu side which won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2021 but missed the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December due to his injury.

IPL auction will take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru.