Did Not Expect To Debut For India In Australia, Says T Natarajan After Creating History
Updated - 24 Jan 2021, 08:19 PM
India’s new pace sensation, T Natarajan, who became the first Indian cricketer to make his debut in all three formats on a single tour, says he only expected to debut in T20Is against Australia and not in ODI and Test. The left-arm seamer was picked initially as a replacement of Varun Chakravarthy in the T20 squad.
Later, he was added to the ODI squad when Navdeep Saini complained of back spasms. Natarajan made his ODI debut in the third ODI in Canberra, which India won. Then played in the entire 3-match T20I series – he was so good that made Hardik Pandya hand over his Man of the Match award to Natarajan.
Finally, as injuries galore in the Indian squad, Natarajan, after being asked to stay back with the team as a net bowler, made his Test debut as well in the series-deciding Test at Brisbane. He snared 3 wickets in Brisbane, including that of the centurion, Marnus Labuschagne.
Speaking to the reporters, as quoted by PTI, T Natarajan said, “I was keen to do my job. But I didn’t expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs, was not expecting to make my debut in Australia. When I was told that I will be playing there was pressure. I wanted to make use of the opportunity. Playing and taking a wicket was like a dream.”
“I cannot express my happiness in words about playing for India. It was like a dream. I got a lot of support from the coaches, players. They supported and motivated me a lot. I was able to perform well because of their backing,” he added.
Was in tears when Kohli handed over the trophy to me after the T20 series win: T Natarajan
“When Kohli handed over the trophy to me after the T20 series win, I had tears in my eyes. Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane handled me very well. They had positive things to say and encouraged me a lot. I enjoyed playing under both of them,” Natarajan further added.
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Hardik Pandya Indian National Cricket Team T Natarajan Virat Kohli
