IPL 2021: T Natarajan didn’t play vs MI due to knee injury – VVS Laxman

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has revealed that T Natarajan didn’t play against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday due to a knee injury. SRH made as many as four changes to their playing with Khaleel Ahmed coming in place of T Natarajan.

It was earlier thought that Natarajan has been dropped from the final XI but Laxman revealed that it was a forced change to bring Khaleel Ahmed in place of the fast bowler from Tamil Nadu. Laxman stated that Natarajan wasn’t been picked due to soreness and niggle in his left knee.

“Yeah, unfortunately, Natarajan missed out because of a sore knee and a niggle in his left knee, he was ruled out of this match. So, he was unfit for this match and that’s why we went with Khaleel Ahmed. We are going to assess the condition of Natarajan and I’m sure that the medical staff of Sunrisers will take the right decision which will be beneficial for him and the franchise,” VVS Laxman said.

Meanwhile, Natarajan has scalped two wickets in the two matches he has played for the Orange Army as he has bowled with an average of 24 and an economy rate of 8.62. Natarajan had done a fine job for the Orange Army in the previous season as he had snared 16 wickets in as many matches and had played a key role in taking his team to the playoff stages.

Consequently, based on his good performances in the IPL, Natarajan received his maiden call-up for the national squad. He went on to make his International debut in all three formats of the game and did a fine job against Australia.

On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s team director Tom Moody had also revealed that Natarajan has been rested against MI as he has been playing continuously.

“Not dropped, rested – managing his workload, we know it’s a long tournament and he’s had quite a lot of cricket already under his belt,” Tom Moody told the commentators on air at Star Sports.

Meanwhile, Khaleel Ahmed did a fine job as he scalped one wicket and conceded only 24 runs in his four overs. In fact, Ahmed could have dismissed Kieron Pollard had Vijay Shankar not fluffed his chance.

SRH is still winless in the tournament and they will play their next match against Punjab Kings at the same venue of MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 21st April.