MI vs SRH: T Natarajan's grand India comeback predicted by SRH coach ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Updated - 06 May 2024, 04:13 PM

James Franklin and Natarajan
James Franklin and Natarajan (Credits: Instagram)

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Kiwi bowling coach James Franklin feels that left-arm seamer T Natarajan is not that far away from staging his comeback to the Indian team. 

James Franklin made these comments in light of Natarajan missing out from India's 15-man squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The left-armer was among the probable for selection in the Indian team but on the day of announcement, he was left out of the main as well as the reserve squad. Punjab Kings' Arshdeep Singh was picked as the team's only left-arm fast bowler. 

What did James Franklin say about Natarajan? 

While speaking to the media reporters recently, James Franklin had some bright things to say about T Natarajan. In IPL 2024, Franklin has had the chance to work closely with the Tamil Nadu-based bowler and has definitely known more about his skillset. With that in mind, the former New Zealand international cricketer claimed that he will soon turn up for the Indian team. 

James Franklin started off by reminding everyone of the kind of treasure that India is, in terms of talented cricket players across age groups. He noted that amidst such a big crowd, T Natarajan has only one thing to do and that is to control the things that he can. 

The former Mumbai Indians all-rounder, from his observation, admitted that T Natarajan's biggest strength is his yorker deliveries. Due to his accuracy in bowling yorkers consistently, Franklin confirmed that the bowler is a huge asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. 

Then James Franklin made the most dazzling prediction. By keeping Natarajan's form in mind, Franklin claimed that the former is more than capable of staging his comeback to the Indian national team. But according to him, that can only if he holds on to the same kind of form in the entire IPL 2024.  

Franklin stated that conversations around Natarajan's selection will be taking place till the time he keeps performing. In such a case, his return to the Indian team will not be far off. 

"There are just so many quality players in India. He can only control what he can. His great strength is obviously his yorker bowling. That is where he is a huge asset for us as a team."

"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. If he keeps performing, then getting back in that Indian side won't be too far away from it," James Franklin told media reporters. 

Hyderabad's remaining games in IPL 2024 

The Sunrisers Hyderabad will be in action later tonight when they go head-to-head with the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium. After this game, Hyderabad will only have 3 more games to play against Lucknow Super Giants, Guajrat Titans, and the Punjab Kings on the 8th, 16th, and 19th of May. 

The best part about their remaining games is that the Pat Cummins-led side will play their final 3 games at home in the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. 

Tagged:

T Natarajan James Franklin India National Cricket Team Indian Premier League Indian Premier League 2024 Sunrisers Hyderabad ICC T20 World Cup 2007