Indian pacer T Natarajan opens up on avoiding red-ball cricket
What's the story
Indian cricketer T Natarajan, a key player in India's historic series victory over Australia, has revealed his decision to step back from red-ball cricket. The 33-year-old fast bowler cited severe workload issues as the primary reason for this move. He made this revelation ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Notably, the senior left-arm pacer hasn't played a First-Class match since his Test debut. Here's more.
Career shift
Right now, I am avoiding red-ball cricket
"It has been almost four years since I played red-ball cricket. It is not that I do not want to play red-ball cricket, but I feel that it makes my workload heavier," said Natarajan to The Times of India. "Right now, I am avoiding red-ball cricket. When the workload is heavy, I am having issues on my knee. So, I have stopped playing," he added.
Words
Natarajan still wants to play in whites
Natarajan said that while he is only focusing on white-ball cricket for the time being, his love for red ball cricket is more. However, he harbors hopes of a return to playing in whites. "I love red-ball cricket more than white-ball cricket. If things go to plan, I will play after a few years. If I train well for the next two years, there are chances for me to return," he said.
IPL achievements
Natarajan's impressive performance in IPL 2024
In the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Natarajan delivered an impressive performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished as runners-up. He took 19 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.05, in one of the highest-scoring IPL seasons ever. In 61 IPL matches, he owns 67 scalps at 29.39.
Numbers
Natarajan's Test numbers for India and in first-class cricket
The pacer has featured in just one Test for India, picking up three wickets (3/78) at an average of 39.66. His best bowling performance (match) was 3/119. In FC cricket, Natarajan has featured in 21 matches picking up 67 wickets at an average of 27.59. His best bowling performance is 8/84, and his best bowling inning is 5/41. Notably, the bowler owns three four-wicket and five-wicket hauls each in FC cricket.