TNPL 2025 | Yorker specialist T. Natarajan looking to relaunch himself

T. Natarajan was one of TNPL’s first big finds. It was his exploits in the inaugural edition (2016), nailing yorkers, that helped him land his maiden IPL contract in 2017.

Since then, Natarajan has represented the country in all three formats, establishing himself as one of the best bowlers in the death overs in the IPL.

At the same time, the TN pacer has had to deal with his fair share of injuries. Following a successful IPL 2024, when he picked up 19 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has had a tough time recovering from a freak shoulder injury.

“I broke a part of my bone near the left collarbone while training during the off-season last year. It is an extremely rare injury, and I was unfortunate,” says Natarajan. “It could have been career-ending, but thankfully, I was able to overcome it without surgery. However, it took me nearly seven months to start bowling again properly.”

The injury meant he bowled in just one game for Delhi Capitals in the recently concluded IPL, after being cleared only for the second half of the tournament.

The 34-year-old is almost back to full fitness in the ongoing TNPL and has been key to his side IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans’ run to the final, taking nine wickets at an economy rate of 6.35.

“I have become mentally accustomed to injuries. Every time I have a good season, I get injured. It is difficult, but I just work on myself, hoping to bounce back quickly. I am able to do this because of the love I have for the game.”

This year in the TNPL, the left-arm pacer is enjoying bowling with the new ball, something he doesn’t get to do often in the IPL. “You gain experience through matches, and every bowler feels pressure in a T20 game. What the TNPL has allowed me to do is try out new things. It’s been working out well so far, and I know I can bowl even better up front, but this is just the start,” he explained about his new role.

Looking ahead, Natarajan hopes to play for Tamil Nadu in the upcoming white-ball competitions and take it as it comes. “In whatever cricket is left in me, I want to enjoy and make good memories. I love the TNPL because I get to spend time with all these raw talents from districts and guide them through my experience.”