IPL: Top 5 Tamil Nadu cricketers in tournament's history

The Indian Premier League has garnered a reputation for being one of the most thrilling cricket leagues in the world, providing an opportunity for several cricketers to make their mark. Over the years, numerous cricketers have showcased their skills and made a name for themselves in the tournament. Tamil Nadu, the southern state of India, has produced exceptional cricketers who have shown their mettle in the cash-rich league. These players have not only represented their respective franchises with distinction but have also played a pivotal role in their success over the years.

From match-winning performances to consistent contributions, these Tamil Nadu cricketers have played a crucial role in their team's success in the Indian Premier League. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 5 Tamil Nadu cricketers who have made a mark in IPL history. These players have not only won matches for their franchises but have also earned the respect and admiration of cricket fans across the globe. So, let's dive into the list of the top 5 Tamil Nadu cricketers in IPL history and revisit their remarkable performances.

Here are the top 5 Tamil Nadu Cricketers in IPL history:

5. T Natarajan

The left-arm pacer scripted the perfect rags-to-riches story during the 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League. In the 2017 auction, Punjab Kings (fka Kings XI Punjab) bought T Natarajan for INR 3 crore from his base price of INR 10 lakh. He was the most expensive uncapped player in the auction in 2017. At the time of the auction, Natarajan's father worked as a daily wager in the power loom sector, while his mother owned a roadside food stall.

A total of four teams were involved in the bidding war for the left-arm pacer, and the credit for the same can be given to his performance in the inaugural edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League. In TNPL, Natarajan represented Dindigul Dragons and picked ten wickets in seven games at an average of 19.8. Natarajan came to the limelight because he could bowl toe-crushing yorkers at will, which helped him make his India debut. In his IPL debut, Natarajan was unsuccessful as he managed to pick up just two wickets in six games and was released by the franchise in the auction the next year.

In 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought Natarajan at the auction for his base price of INR 40 lakh. He debuted for the franchise during the 2020 edition of the league and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker behind Rashid Khan with 16 wickets at an average of 31.5. In 2021, Natarajan played just two games after being sidelined due to a knee injury during the first leg and then tested positive for Covid in the second half. In 2022, Natarajan picked 18 wickets in 11 games for SRH and again finished as the second-highest wicket-taker.