T Natarajan of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), who has had a meteoric rise in recent months, revealed how MS Dhoni’s advice helped him develop his craft and become a better bowler during last year’s IPL. In IPL 2020, Natarajan, who is known for his yorkers, managed to dismiss Dhoni. After the match, Natarajan spoke with the former India captain, who advised him to improve his fitness and use more variations in his bowling, such as slow bouncers and cutters.
“He hit me for a big six – 102 metres or something – after I pitched one in the slot. I didn’t cheer when I got his wicket the next pitch. I was just thinking about the previous ball when I came across this. But when I returned to the dressing room, I was relieved. I also had a conversation with him after we finished the game. It’s a huge deal to speak with someone like Dhoni. He spoke to me about fitness and encouraged me, saying that with practise, I would get better. Using sluggish bouncers, cutters, and other combinations, he advised. It has been beneficial to me “ESPNcricinfo spoke with Natarajan.
As he prepares for a new season with SRH, Natarajan described the franchise as “like a family” and praised the team’s management for always supporting him in difficult times.
“I’m aware that I’ll have to give it my all. I’ll have to concentrate on not missing my duration and have a strategy in place for that eventuality. I’m aware that if I don’t meet my length, I’ll be forced to run. I’ve bowled under duress before, so all of that practise will come in handy this season. Bhuvi is back and in top shape, so when I”m under duress, he’ll share his thoughts with me “Natarajan said.
“Our team works well together and feels like a family. Even if I give runs, the team’s management believes in me, so I’m confident in my ability to return. I’ve also never attended a Chepauk IPL match. I believe Vijay Shankar has played in the IPL in Chennai, but this will be my first time there. I’ve played a lot of cricket at home, so I’m looking forward to playing in Chennai “Added he.
Natarajan was selected as a net bowler for India’s tour of Australia based on his success in the IPL 2020, but he went on to make his debut in all three formats due to injuries to several players.
“My family and friends all encouraged me to get to this point. They were ecstatic as well, having come from a small village to be chosen to play for India. My village is now well-known to a large number of people. Above everything else, I really like the India logo on the shirt. I like the Tamil Nadu logo on the jersey as well, but it was a completely different experience when I put on the India jersey. At that moment, I felt as if my dream had come true. I believe I would have had more celebrations if I had been with my family in Chinnappampatti at the time, but I was alone and in quarantine “Natarajan said.
“Making my Test debut with Washi was a dream come true. He bowled a splendid innings under pressure and contributed to our victory in both innings. The experienced bowlers were hurt, and the majority of us were kids. The Gabba has a long history, and I’ve learned it can be a difficult wicket to bat on against Australia. We felt like we’d won the World Cup at the end “Added he.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians will face off in the first match of the IPL 2021 on April 9. On April 11, SRH will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai for the first time.