T Natarajan Gives An Injury Update; Focuses On IPL 2021 Return

Injured Indian bowler T Natarajan has provided an update on his recovery status. He is keen on achieving full match-fitness prior to IPL 2021 in UAE. The pacer from Tamil Nadu had suffered an injury to the knee during the Australian tour that showed back up during the IPL.

Natarajan has had an impressive start to his career. He got a chance to play for the team after being part of the squad as a ‘net bowler’. Although Australia seems like a daunting place to make an international debut, Natarajan looked admirable. He had already shown potential to be a death-bowler in the IPL and he fueled his status as a yorker-king during the tour down-under.

Unfortunately, the seemingly never-ending problem with Indian pacers dealt Natarajan a big blow. He damaged his knee during the final stages of the tour. Things got worse when he was ruled out of IPL 2021 as the injury exacerbated. The cash-rich league was suspended soon, however, owing to a covid-19 outbreak.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, T Natarajan gave an update on his injury status. He said:

“I am progressing well after the surgery. I have started training slowly and I will start bowling at full tilt in the nets by the end of this month. My focus right now is on recovering fully and returning by the time the IPL restarts.”

T Natarajan trying to take one step at a time

Having made a name in the IPL, Natarajan would have been desperate to continue his form for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Therefore, the suspension of IPL might have come as a blessing in disguise for Natarajan.

“The fact that the IPL got suspended when it did has turned out to be a good thing in the end. None of it was in my hands of course,” he said.

Although he has made good progress in terms of recovery, Natarajan doesn’t want to rush it. He doesn’t want to think too far into the future – T20 World Cup – in particular.

“I am not thinking about the T20 World Cup right now. I am thinking more about my recovery. If I do well in the IPL, the chance to be selected for the T20 World Cup will come on its own. That is my belief. But for that, my recovery needs to be spot on,” Natarajan stated.