Despite being left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Sunrisers bowling coach James Franklin thinks that if left-arm pacer T Natarajan continues his current IPL 2024 form, selectors will be intrigued. The former New Zealand fast bowler lauded Natarajan’s yorker-hitting abilities. He mentioned them as a key component of the current champions’ strength.
‘India call-up not far’
“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,” Franklin said on the eve of SRH‘s crunch game against MI at the Wankhede Stadium.
“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.
No place for Natarajan in India’s T20 WC squad
Before the BCCI revealed a 15-man team for the T20 World Cup on April 30, T Natarajan’s name was brought up, but the fast bowler from Tamil Nadu was not called up. India fielded a three-man pace attack consisting of Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah. Khaleel Ahmed, a left-arm pacer, and Avesh Khan were also named by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee as members of their 4-man reserve team for the World Cup, which begins on June 2.
Natarajan in IPL 2024
Natarajan has been enjoying stellar form in IPL 2024. The SRH pacer has picked up 15 wickets in 8 matches in the tournament so far. His average of below 20 has been a big factor behind SRH’s good outing in IPL 2024.