Post the successful Australia tour T Natarajan had a short interview with selected journalists on Monday on how life has changed in the last few months. T Natarajan plays a crucial role in the Australia series and makes a unique record by making a debut in all three formats on the same tour.
T Natarajan Interview to selected journalists
With the first two India-England happening in Chennai, do you miss being part of the squad?
Definitely, especially after being with the team for the last few months. But I do understand that it’s important to take a break. Given that I did not spend time with the family in the last six months, I am fine with it. But undoubtedly, I will feel bad that I’m not able to be with the national team when they are playing in Chennai.
How do you view your life in the last few months?
It all feels like a dream. I was hoping to get a chance to play in the IPL (for Sunrisers Hyderabad). Once I began doing well in the IPL, five months just went like a blur. I am very happy and the last few months have been unforgettable.
Talk to us about being part of the Indian team dressing room?
There was a lot of support from the team members and support staff. Not once did I feel that I was new to the side. In fact, I felt like I had been playing with them for a very long time. Everyone made me comfortable which was very special.
What were coach Ravi Shastri‘s inputs to you?
Ahead of my India debut, he said, ‘continue to do whatever you have been doing so far, but do it with confidence. Just go out there and bowl Bindaas.’ The kind of motivation one gets from him is enormous.
How much of a help has bowling coach Bharath Arun been during the Australian tour?
I spent considerable time with him in Australia and worked on numerous areas and his inputs were very crucial. He was someone whom I knew well and was able to ask questions freely. He would share his inputs on how to bowl during a particular situation and how to become more effective.
Going forward, how do you plan to maintain your workload?
I am looking to play in all formats and will maintain my workload accordingly. I am keen to work on my strength and endurance levels in the coming months.
This is the first time I’ve played for six long months at a stretch in my life. Because I trained continuously during those months of lockdown, I was able to take care of the workload in IPL and in Australia.
Has there been any specific instructions from the team management on areas you need to work on?
Having played continuously for the last 5-6 months, BCCI had given me rest for some weeks. I have started training from today (Monday) and will continue working on my fitness.
If I am aiming to play all three formats, I need to be on top of my fitness. The team management wants me to improve my endurance as they seem happy with my skills. Red-ball cricket is a test of endurance.
Will you play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for TN if given the go-ahead by the BCCI?
If I am given the go-ahead by the BCCI then I will certainly play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In fact, I was asked to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali but BCCI wanted me to be given a break and I couldn’t go on to play for TN in the competition.
How do you see TN winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Having played for TN for many years, I just missed being there with the team when they lifted the trophy. I’m extremely happy for them. They played like a team during the tournament and thoroughly deserved this victory.
