I am not thinking about the T20 World Cup right now, focused more on my recovery: T Natarajan

Thangarsu Natarajan - a dream story. From being picked as a net bowler to being able to represent Team India and play a vital cog against Australia Down Under, breaking stereotypes and being capped in every format in the same series. After undergoing knee surgery in April, the Tamil Nadu-born pacer is now undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

During a chat with the New Indian Express, the 30-year-old discussed his road to recovery and how he is focusing on getting match fit before the Indian Premier League resumes in September.

“I am progressing well after the surgery. I have started training slowly. I will start bowling at full tilt in the nets by the end of this month. My focus right now is on recovering fully and returning by the time the IPL restarts,” Natarajan told the New Indian Express.

Natarajan was only able to play two matches in the first half of the 2021 IPL due to injury concerns. The tournament was suspended indefinitely a few weeks later as a result of a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases.

“The fact that the IPL got suspended when it did has turned out to be a good thing in the end. None of it was in my hands of course.”

On the upcoming T20 World Cup

“I am not thinking about the T20 World Cup right now. I am thinking more about my recovery. If I do well in the IPL, the chance to be selected for the T20 World Cup will come on its own. That is my belief. But for that, my recovery needs to be spot on,” the 30-year-old said.