T. Natarajan was one of the finds for India in the recently concluded Australia tour. The left-arm seamer was fast-tracked to international cricket after his splendid performances in the IPL. Natarajan made his debut in the final ODI at Canberra and from then onwards kept improving with every match.
Natarajan also made his Test debut at Brisbane and looked ready for Test match cricket. The 29-year-old recalled his career-defining Australia tour and talked about some of his favourite moments. Natarajan was surprised when he was told that he would be making his ODI debut but wanted to make full use of the opportunity.
T. Natarajan- First wicket and everything that followed was like a dream
The left-arm seamer indicated that his debut wicket and everything that followed was like a dream. Then when captain Virat Kohli handed him the T20I series trophy, Natarajan got emotional. Natarajan stated that it was a great feeling when a legend like Kohli gave him the trophy after India won the series.
“I was suddenly given an opportunity – I didn’t expect to make my one-day debut there [Canberra]. Suddenly they [the management] told me that I would be playing and that was pressure for me. But I wanted to make the best use of this opportunity, so I shifted my focus to that. That [first] wicket and everything that followed seems like a dream to me”, said T. Natarajan as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“I didn’t expect Virat Kohli to come over and hand the trophy to me; I was just standing on the side. I teared up. When a legend like Kohli came in and gave the trophy over to me it was a great feeling – I can’t describe it”, he added.
Meanwhile, T. Natarajan also admitted that it was difficult to stay away and miss the birth of his first child. However, the seamer was fully focused on doing well for his country and give his wife and family greater happiness by performing well for his country. The skilled bowler also thanked the people of his village for the heroic welcome they gave him after he returned to his hometown.
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“It was quite difficult [missing the birth of my child], yes,” he said. “But, for my wife and my family, me representing the country gave them greater happiness”.
“I never expected to get this kind of reception. I have to thank the people in my village,” Natarajan said. “It was an unforgettable experience in my life and I dreamt of making it big, hoping to bring recognition to Salem. It’s all god’s grace, and I’m so happy right now. There’s no limit to it and I just can’t describe that feeling. I just feel like being selected for the Australia tour was a gift for me”, said Natarajan.
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