IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan raring fitness update – The year 2020 changed the life of T Natarajan. Though he went to Australia as a net bowler, he ended up returning to the country as a player who made his debut in all three formats of the game. Since then, injuries and fitness issues have kept the 30-year-old pacer, Natarajan, out of the team. Follow IPL 2022 LIVE IPL Auction Updates on InsideSport.IN
Natarajan remained unavailable for most of 2021 with a troubled knee. He however took part in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy finals but was not fully fit. Now, with days ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, the pacer is working hard and sweating it out to regain his fitness to the fullest.
“I am feeling fit and raring to go. My knee problem is a thing of the past. I have understood my body well and I am training hard to be in shape for the Ranji Trophy and the IPL,” T Natarajan told The New Indian Express.
IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury
T Natarajan is fit and raring to go after recovering from his knee injuryIPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury
Injury concerns for any player are tough however, it is exceptionally tougher for pacers who find it difficult to maintain their form and rhythm.
“I am bowling at a good rhythm. I enjoy training and understand the process associated with injury rehab much better now. I am hitting the nets at Chepauk, bowling at a lively pace. The follow-through, loading and delivery stride is much better than what was in the past. I am enjoying my bowling, which is what is important,” T Natarajan said.
IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury
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With injuries, the lack of pace has been a concern for fast bowlers as well. In the past, many pacers reported a slower pace after injuries. Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar are two great examples of recent times. But Natarajan isn’t worried.
“I am not worried at the pace I am bowling nor calculating whether I am touching 150k regularly. My aim is to improve control, bowl in the right areas and swing the ball both ways. Once I start playing matches regularly, the pace will automatically go up as I know how to adapt to the situation,” added the 30-year old.
IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury
With the IPL auctions round the corner every player who is in the auction pool is eagerly waiting to be picked by a franchise for a good price. Natarajan who has been with the Hyderabad team in the past is keen to do well in the IPL this season and use it as a vehicle to get back into the Indian team.
“I was with Hyderabad and enjoyed my stint there. I am not nervous about the coming auction where there are two more teams in the IPL. I just want to play for a good side, perform well and use my IPL performances to get back into the Indian team once again,” said an optimistic Natarajan.
IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury
Out of reckoning from the national team, T Natarajan is now banking on Ranji Trophy and IPL to make a comeback. Tamil Nadu coach M Venkataramana is happy to have him back for Ranji Trophy which will commence in February.
“A fit Natarajan is a big asset to the team. He has the talent, potential to use the new ball at the optimum level to trouble the best in the business. The only concern is his fitness. If he takes care of his body well, then he will be a potent force as the angles he bowls and bounce that he extracts will be difficult to pick for many a batsman. The Ranji Trophy will help him get back his mojo,” said M Venkataramana, Tamil Nadu head coach.
IPL 2022 Auction: T Natarajan 2.0 declares, ‘Fit & raring to go’ after recovering from knee injury