T. Natarajan
Thangarasu Natarajan is an Indian international cricketer right-arm fast-medium bowler. He plays domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu and he competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Capitals. Natarajan achieved a historic accomplishment by becoming the first player to play all three international formats of cricket during India's 2020-21 Australian tour through his ability to deliver lethal yorker pitches and pitch variations during death overs. He has established himself as a key player for ODIs T20Is and IPL matches through his accurate precise performances which resulted in match-winning results.
Early Life
Thangarasu Natarajan was born in 4 April 1991, Chinnappampatti which is located near Salem in Tamil Nadu. He holds the position of firstborn child among his five siblings. Natarajan developed a deep love for cricket during his childhood years but he had to practice hard to enhance his bowling abilities because he lacked access to proper training facilities.
Education
Natarajan completed his initial educational journey in Tamil Nadu before he progressed through various cricketing academies. He dedicated himself to intense training sessions which helped him develop his bowling abilities especially his yorker and slower delivery techniques that he used during critical death over moments.
Natarajan made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy. He debuted in T20 cricket for Tamil Nadu in the 2016–17 Inter State Twenty-20 Tournament and in List A cricket during the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Domestic Career
Natarajan made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy. He debuted in Twenty20 for Tamil Nadu in the 2016–17 Inter State Twenty-20 Tournament and in List A cricket in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kings XI Punjab purchased him during the IPL 2017 season and Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for the 2018 season until 2024 while Delhi Capitals selected him in the 2025 season. Natarajan has been consistently among the top wicket-takers for his teams.
International Career
Natarajan made his ODI debut for India against Australia on 2 December 2020 and T20I debut on 4 December 2020 during the same tour which he successfully executed yorkers and death-over bowling. He became the first Indian to debut in all three formats on the same tour. Natarajan made his Test debut against Australia on 15 January 2021. He took his first international wicket by dismissing Matthew Wade. He has played an important role in England and Australia series by displaying his abilities in both limited-overs and Test matches.
Work and Contributions
Natarajan is widely regarded for his accuracy in death overs and ability to bowl yorkers under pressure. His variations, pace, and tactical intelligence make him a vital asset for both India and IPL teams. He has played crucial roles in close matches which helped his teams win matches at domestic tournaments, IPL events, and international competitions.
Awards and Recognition
Natarajan has earned recognition for his ability to deliver match-winning performances in both IPL and international cricket competitions. He has received multiple Player of the Match awards in IPL matches because of his outstanding bowling skills during domestic competitions. He achieved historical significance through his various exceptional performances which he delivered during India's tour of Australia.
Personal Life
Natarajan married his schoolmate Pavithra in June 2018. The couple has a daughter born in November 2020. Natarajan maintains a strict lifestyle which includes fitness training and dedicated practice of his cricketing skills.