Becoming the 1st Indian cricketer to make his international debut across all 3 formats for the duration of the identical tour, T Natarajan was 1 of the achievement stories for India in Australia. After his debuts in the ODI and T20I series, the rapidly bowler produced his Test debut in the fourth and final Test match against the Aussies in Brisbane. India went on to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in dramatic style, winning the thriller at the Gabba. Natarajan received widespread praise from fans and pundits for his overall performance. Speaking at his hometown of Salem in Tamil Nadu, the 29-year-old credited his India teammates for providing him the motivation and supporting him all through the tour. “Other players supported me in the dressing room. Their motivation and support helped me”, stated the left-arm pacer, who was provided a rousing reception on his return to his hometown.
The Indian cricket group was dogged by a lot of injuries for the duration of the tour, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari becoming added to the list prior to the final Test.Due to the absence of senior pacers, a lot of stress and duty fell on the shoulders of India’s young pacers.”I was under pressure to perform, when the opportunity was offered,” he stated.”My only thought was to take wickets”, he added.He produced his international debut in the third ODI against Australia on December 2, 2020. India won the match by 13 runs, and Natarajan took two wickets.He also played in the T20I series, which India won 2-1. He added to his international wicket tally, by taking six wickets for the duration of the series.In the fourth and final Test match, he scalped 3 dismissals.”It was like a dream to take Australian wickets”, stated Natarajan.Also, Natarajan and his wife had been blessed with a youngster whilst the 2020 Indian Premier League was going on. Due to the bio-bubble in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Natarajan wasn’t by the side of his wife for the duration of the child’s birth.He was playing for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), and suitable following the tournament, he left for the Australia tour. It was only following the culmination of the tour, that he returned dwelling and met his youngster for the 1st time.”More than the newborn, my wife and I were proud that I could play for my country”, he stated.”Hard work will never go to waste. It is always rewarding,” he added.
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