When Virat Kohli handed over the trophy to me after the T20 series win, I had tears in my eyes: T Natarajan

Indian fast bowler T Natarajan, during the recent campaign against Australia, became the first bowler from his country to make his national debut in all three formats on a single tour. He went to Australia as a ‘net bowler’ after which his fortunes turned around. He made his international debut in the third and final ODI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra where he picked up two wickets.

Then he played all three T20Is and picked six wickets, capturing the imaginations of the fans. Going down the memory lane, the 29-year-old Natarajan said that he was teary-eyed after Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, handed him the T20 Trophy after the 2-1 victory. The pacer was happy to have had the learning experience both in the Indian Premier League and while playing for Team India.

I didn’t expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs: T Natarajan

“When Kohli handed over the trophy to me after the T20 series win, I had tears in my eyes. Having played in the IPL and played alongside many Indian and foreign players helped as that experience was useful. I could communicate with them and learn from them. First, it was tough but as things went on, I was able to pick up many things,” Natarajan was quoted as saying on India Today.

Natarajan said that he wasn’t even expecting to make his debut, leave along playing all the three formats. “I was keen to do my job. But I didn’t expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs, was not expecting to make my debut in Australia. When I was told that I will be playing there was pressure. I wanted to make use of the opportunity. Playing and taking a wicket was like a dream,” he said.

The left-arm made his Test debut at The Gabba in Brisbane after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to injury. In that match, he picked up three wickets in the first innings and went wicketless in the second. Natarajan, however, hasn’t been included for India’s home Tests against England, starting February 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.