Kuzhandaivelu Natarajan: A Cricketing Journey

Name: Kuzhandaivelu Natarajan
Country: India
Born: 15th May 1991
Playing Role: Bowler
Batting Style: Left-hand batsman
Bowling Style: Left-arm medium-fast

Early Life

Kuzhandaivelu Natarajan, popularly known as T. Natarajan, was born in the small town of Salem in Tamil Nadu, India. Growing up in a modest family, he was nurtured in an environment that appreciated sports. Natarajan took to cricket at a young age, showing immense potential as a bowler. His early cricketing journey began on the streets and local grounds, where he honed his skills while chasing his dream of representing India on the international stage.

Domestic Career

Natarajan’s professional journey began when he made his debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season. His performances quickly caught the eye of selectors, particularly due to his left-arm angle and ability to bowl yorkers, which became his signature delivery. Over the years, he also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing his prowess with the ball and his dependable batting lower down the order.

Debut and Rise

T. Natarajan’s breakthrough came in 2019 when he was selected for the Tamil Nadu team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performances there were impressive, leading to his inclusion in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad. His impressive showing in the IPL enabled him to attract national selectors' attention.

International Debut

Natarajan made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India on December 15, 2020, against Australia. Shortly after, he made his T20 International debut on December 6, 2020, also against Australia. His ability to bowl in the death overs, combined with his remarkable skill set, impressed fans and analysts alike. His most notable performance came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in India’s bowling lineup.

Key Milestones and Records

• First Indian to take four wickets on T20I debut against Australia.
• Part of the Indian national team that toured Australia and played a pivotal role in the historic Test series win in early 2021.

Achievements

Natarajan has garnered acclaim not just for his skills, but also for his resilience and determination. From his humble beginnings to representing his nation, he has become a symbol of hope for aspiring cricketers from small towns. His success in the IPL has also made him a household name, with many young cricketers idolizing his journey.

Impact on the Game

Natarajan's unique bowling style and his ability to perform under pressure have made a significant impact on Indian cricket. His expertise in bowling yorkers has revolutionized the way bowlers approach the death overs in limited-overs cricket. He has inspired a new generation of cricketers to embrace different bowling styles and focus on specialization.

Career Statistics

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Bowling Average
7	6	2/70	35.50

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Bowling Average
20	25	4/30	16.40

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Bowling Average
41	51	4/20	29.68

Conclusion

Kuzhandaivelu Natarajan has established himself as a vital component of the Indian cricket team, particularly in the white-ball formats. His journey from a small-town player to the international arena is an inspiration to many. With his skills and passion for the game, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in his cricketing career.

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