India vs England: T Natarajan doubtful for T20I series

T Natarajan, the Indian fast bowler, might not be available for the opening T20I against England on March 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The speedster made his debut in all three formats in the tour of Australia, but he couldn’t find a place for the four Tests against England.

He was later picked in the 19-man squad for the upcoming T20Is against the Three Lions. The speedster is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As per reports, the NCA has told the management about the pacer’s unavailability at least until March 12.

The duration of his unavailability and the nature of his injury are yet to be confirmed, ESPNcricinfo reported. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to send out an official update on the 29-year-old pacer from Salem. All the T20Is are scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad itself.

T Natarajan’s meteoric rise  

Earlier, after his successful campaign in Australia, Natarajan was over the moon, having donned the national jersey. After, initially, having toured Down Under as a net bowler, he played an ODI and Test each, but was a part of all three T20Is where he nailed the Yorkers with precision.

“I am very happy. This is my first trip to Australia. Delighted that I performed well against a good side. I can’t express my feelings in words, I am extremely happy with my performance. I didn’t expect a lot from this series. I initially came in as a net bowler,” Natarajan was quoted as saying.

Natarajan wasn’t initially a part of the tour and was roped in after spinner Varun Chakravarthy sustained an injury. The southpaw lauded his national teammates for lending him adequate support.

“After an injury (to Varun Chakravarthy), I got an opportunity and I wanted to utilise it well. I was in good form in the IPL that came in handy. Also, everyone motivated me very well here. They gave me a lot of support and that gave me the confidence to do well,” he added.

Recently, he was released from Tamil Nadu’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as a part of his workload management. The 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad has turned his career around.