SRH bowler T Natarajan expressed satisfaction with being considered for India’s ICC T20 World Cup squad discussions for the event in the West Indies and USA. He stated that not being chosen hasn’t impacted him negatively. Natarajan remains positive and focused on performing well for his team. Despite not making the final cut, he appreciates the recognition and continues to strive for excellence, maintaining a resilient and determined attitude towards his cricket career.
T Natarajan Regarding WC Selection:
In an interview regarding this, T Natarajan said, “ Firstly I was happy to even be part of the selection conversation. I have to thank god for that. After three years, they [selectors] are considering me and there was chatter around my potential selection. Whether I’m selected or not, It’s not in my control. To be even part of the discussion is an achievement for me. If you want to climb to the top of a building, you have to take one step at a time. My focus is to execute well and help SRH win games. Not being selected for the World Cup hasn’t disturbed me. I always believe that whatever is meant to happen will happen.”
Natarajan emphasized the importance of adapting his bowling style based on pitch conditions. He noted that mastering slow offcutters and slower bouncers is crucial, particularly utilizing slower bouncers effectively on larger grounds like those in Hyderabad. Natarajan mentioned that he has moved away from solely relying on yorkers and now focuses on specific strategies tailored to counter opposing batters during matches.
He further said, “Yes, we have a plan according to the batters, but you should also be able to adapt the situation in the middle. If I execute by ball-yorker or slower ball-I have the confidence that I will not get hit. It is natural for every bowler, though, to miss the length. I’m also okay to get hit when I bowl to my field. so far, so good.”
Natarajan revealed that he honed his slower bouncer technique during an off-season following the Tamil Nadu Premier League last year, considering the IPL’s two-bouncer-per-over rule. He credited veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for boosting his confidence in using slower bouncers effectively. Natarajan highlighted the value of learning from experienced players like Kumar, whose guidance has contributed significantly to his development as a bowler.
He also said, “It was during the off-season after the TNPL last year (developing slow bouncer). You see batters have been playing different shots like the reverse scoop. When everyone keeps levelling up, you will have to evolve as well. You cannot survive with just one skill these days. You have to mix it up at the death as a bowler. The two-bouncer-per-over rule has been advantageous for bowlers, so I decided to try the bouncers and I practised it a lot.”
He further said, “I focused on bowling these slower cutters on wide lines outside off. Even at SRH, I communicated a lot with the coaches about variations and did spot-bowling for the slower bouncer. Both the captain and the support staff have encouraged me to bravely bowl the slower bouncer.”
He added, “Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) bhai too, has given me a lot of confidence to bowl the slower one. I have had a chance to work with Bhuvi bhai for seven years seven years. He has always advised me to not take too much pressure and keeps telling me I have all the skills as a bowler. Even after the end of a match, I sit down with him and try to rectify the mistakes I have made in the match. All of this has helped me execute my variations.”
“Not just for SRH but for most of the teams. But, even during practice, I try to swing the new ball and and it has been coming out nicely.”
He concluded, “I have travelled with Jansen and Farooqi for two-three years. Farooqi can bowl a lot of slower balls and Jansen can get swing naturally. Jansen also bowls a lot of in-swingers, so I try to pick that up from him. All four- Farooqi, Jansen, (Jaydev) Unadkat and Akash (Singh) – have different styles. So, during training, I try to learn off them and I have also shared my experiences with them.”
T Natarajan’s Performance in IPL 2024:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is having a strong IPL season, securing six wins and four losses, accumulating 12 points and currently holding the fourth position in the points table. Natarajan has been instrumental in SRH’s success, standing out as the second-highest wicket-taker with 15 dismissals at an average of 19.13. His best bowling figures of 4/19 highlight his impactful contributions to the team’s performance. Natarajan’s consistent performance with the ball has been a key factor in SRH’s campaign, enhancing their chances of success in the ongoing IPL season.
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