IND vs BAN: T Natarajan quits red-ball cricket temporarily, reveals shocking reason

India and Tamil Nadu left-arm pacer T Natarajan has decided to make a significant shift in his career at the age of 33, opting to focus exclusively on white-ball cricket due to persistent injury woes.

T Natarajan has faced numerous setbacks that have disrupted his progress in red-ball cricket. His last appearance in Test cricket was a memorable debut for India in January 2021 against Australia, where he played a key role in India's historic series win.

T Natarajan embraces white-ball cricket, puts red-ball return on hold

However, the physical demands of red-ball cricket have proven too taxing for T Natarajan, forcing him to reassess his career path. Despite his earlier ambitions of making a comeback to first-class cricket, including a brief stint with Tamil Nadu for the Ranji Trophy, Natarajan has struggled with recurring injuries.

The pace bowler was recently registered with UFCC (T Nagar) in the ongoing 2024-25 season but has yet to make his mark in the Raja of Palayampatti Shield tournament. Well, Natarajan has candidly acknowledged that the increased workload and the strain on his knee have been major factors behind his decision to step away from red-ball cricket.

Instead, he is aiming to sharpen his skills and use his energy in white-ball cricket. His last appearance in a major white-ball competition was in the Tamil Nadu Premier League for Tiruppur Tamizhans, where he showcased his significant potential.

As he starts a new chapter of his career, T Natarajan aims to remain a key player in limited-overs cricket, hoping that this strategic shift will enable him to continue contributing at the highest level while managing his physical condition.

I am having issues on my knee: Natarajan

Natarajan was quoted as saying by Times of India: “It has been almost four years since I played red-ball cricket (referring to first-class matches). It is not that I do not want to play red-ball cricket, but I feel that it makes my workload heavier. Right now, I am avoiding red-ball cricket. When the workload is heavy, I am having issues on my knee. So, I have stopped playing.”

However, T Natarajan has not completely closed the door on a return to Test cricket. He has expressed a deep affection for red-ball cricket, saying he has always enjoyed playing red-ball games. While his current focus is solely on white-ball formats due to ongoing injury issues, the pacer remains hopeful for a future comeback.

He wants to dedicate himself to rigorous training over the next couple of years, with the possibility of making a comeback to the red-ball game if his situation improves. He will be seen in action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

T Natarajan signed off by saying, “I love red-ball cricket more than white-ball cricket. Whenever I played red-ball cricket, I enjoyed it a lot. If things go to plan, I will play after a few years. If I train well for the next two years, there are chances for me to return. But right now, I am only looking at white-ball cricket.”