T Natarajan Opens on Preparation for IPL 2022: Indian yorker sensation T Natarajan is preparing to make a comeback with the IPL 2022 season where he registers his name under a base price of INR 2 Crores. Check: IPL 2022 Auction Players List – Set by Set with Base Price
The IPL 2022 Mega Auction will be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The IPL 2022 auction will be live-streamed on the Star Sports network from 11 am across the two days. Check IPL 2022 Mega Auction Live Streaming Details for Your Location
T Natarajan Opens on Preparation for IPL 2022
It came as a pleasant surprise when he was the highest-paid uncapped Indian player, picked up by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2017. He played 6 games for the franchise but had just 2 wickets to his name.
In the 2020 IPL edition though, Natarajan put up a breakthrough performance picking up 16 wickets in 16 games. His bowling abilities earned him a T20I & ODI call-up in Australia and was soon drafted into the Test fold as well in 2021.
But soon things went south for the 30-year-old. He suffered a knee injury that cut his time in the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021. Later, when he geared up for the UAE leg, he returned positive for Covid-19.
The sickness took a massive toll on his body as he failed to cope with the match intensity in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His team won the title but Natarajan has to take a break as he headed to National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation.
After spending 5 months in Bengaluru, he has been training near his hometown and is eyeing a massive comeback. Speaking with ESPN Cricinfo, he said he ins’t thinking much of the upcoming IPL players auction but his aim is to return as the ‘old Natarajan’.
“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.”
The Chinnappampatti-born lad said that he has performed well in India before so there will be expectations. He said that he is feeling re-energised and his aim is to bowl yorkers and cutters.
“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.
Notably, SRH released T Natarajan ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction and retained Kane Williamson, Abdul Samad, and Umran Malik.
