NEWS
Follow UsThe T Natarajan story in 2020 made a lot of waves as the Tamil Nadu pacer, from the relative obscurity, rose to represent India in all three formats and primed as a pacer in the long haul in the limited-overs cricket. Not only injuries have affected him big-time, but he has also stayed away from cricket for a big part of 2021. A national call-up anytime soon seems bleak while he will be keenly looking for a buyer in the IPL auction as well. However, Natarajan is not too fussed about the same.
"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 pathatam irukkum [nervousness will be there]. I'll be lying if I say I'm not nervous," Natarajan told Cricinfo.
"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."
Natarajan suffered from Covid-19 during the IPL and coupled that with already-existing knee issues, it became difficult for him to sustain the rigors during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had to miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy after that. Speaking about the rehab, Natarajan stated that it was a very boring process and you have to keep doing the same things again and again.
"It was boring to start with," Natarajan said. "You will have to keep doing the same things again and again, but you need to do it properly to become fit again. I was in Bangalore for around five months at the NCA. During the weekends, I used to go back home to Salem and spend time with the family.
"Apart from talking to my mentor Jayaprakash anna (brother), I used to call up Washy (Washington Sundar), Rajinikanth (trainer) and Shyam Sundar (Sunrisers Hyderabad physio) during the recovery phase. I had the confidence and motivation from my anna Jayaprakash. He always frees up my mind. Motivational words have always inspired me from childhood. The major learning was that cricket - and life - has both ups and downs and you'll have to learn to accept it."