Chandigarh, May 6
In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, T Natarajan has been nothing short of sensational for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Currently leading the wicket-taking charts for his team, Natarajan has notched up an impressive 15 dismissals in eight matches. His prowess with the ball has earned him recognition as one of the standout performers in the tournament, yet his absence from India’s T20 World Cup squad has left many scratching their heads.
Despite his stellar form and consistent performances, the 33-year-old seamer was overlooked for the prestigious tournament, much to the surprise and disappointment of fans and pundits alike. SRH’s bowling coach, James Franklin, however, remains optimistic about Natarajan’s future with the national team.
“His great strength is obviously his yorker bowling. That is where he is a huge asset for us as a team,” Franklin commented ahead of SRH’s clash against Mumbai Indians. “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.”
Natarajan, who made his India debut during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been a consistent performer in domestic and franchise cricket. His exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, despite being injury-free and in prime form, has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about selection bias.
Former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath voiced his disappointment, questioning the selection process. “Why do some cricketers from Tamil Nadu have to perform double time more to get into? They are not getting the extra backing. T. Natarajan should definitely be included in the Indian team for the World Cup,” he remarked.
While Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead India’s pace attack in the T20 World Cup, the inclusion of other pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj has further fueled the debate surrounding Natarajan’s omission. Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed have been named in the reserves, leaving many to ponder the rationale behind overlooking Natarajan’s undeniable talent and contributions.
As Natarajan continues to shine in the IPL, his quest for a national team comeback remains a topic of interest and contention, with fans eagerly awaiting if his stellar performances will eventually pave the way for his return to the Indian squad.
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