T Natarajan – once considered India’s upcoming pace sensation, is now struggling to find a place in the team across formats. However, his IPL franchise’s bowling coach, James Franklin, feels Natarajan’s latest exploits in the ongoing season for SunRisers Hyderabad could press his case for an India call-up. The left-arm quick is among the top wicket-takers for his team in IPL 2024 but failed to break into the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
For the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee named three seamers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and sole left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, with Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan in the travelling reserves.
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Meanwhile, Natarajan was the star bowler during the famous Gabba Test win for India in 2021 but hasn’t represented the country since last playing against England in the home series the same year. Although regular injuries marred his rising career, Natarajan is looking fit and throwing bombs at this year’s edition, having picked 15 wickets in eight contested matches.
With SRH playing Mumbai in a crucial away clash on Monday (May 6), Natarajan’s spell, mainly during the death, would determine his team’s fate as they chase a top-four finish.
Speaking highly on the Tamil Nadu seamer, Franklin said, “There are just so many quality players in India. He can only control what he can. His great strength is obviously his Yorker bowling. That is where he is a huge asset for us as a team.”
He continued saying if Natarajan plays the way he’s doing right now, picking wickets at the top and with the older ball, he can press his case for an India call-up sooner.
“If he keeps going the way he is going and can hold his form throughout the rest of this IPL, those sorts of conversations around India, they tend to take care of themselves. If he keeps performing, then getting back in that Indian side won’t be too far away from it,” Franklin added.
Time for SRH-MI blockbuster tie
During the first leg at home, SunRisers Hyderabad broke the record for most runs hit in an IPL inning – slamming 277 for three against MI. Although they broke that record sooner (against RCB by hitting 287), SRH’s batting line-up has been a thorn in the flesh of all opposition teams.
As things stand, SRH sits in fourth place with 12 points from ten contested matches and has to win at least two out of their remaining four to stay alive for a top-four finish.
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