Thangarasu Natarajan - A dream story

From being picked as a net bowler to getting a chance to represent Team India and play vital cog against Australia in Australia, Thangarasu Natarajan has become a household name. The Tamil Nadu pacer has had a dream debut series in Australia and former cricketers have praised the latter for his stellar performance. 

Speaking to India Today, former World Cup-winner Harbhajan Singh credited Natarajan for utilising the opportunity that came knocking his door.

"Yes, he was phenomenal. Credit to him, going out there as a replacement and showing what he is made of. And the kind of performances he has put," Bhajji told India Today.

On path to become a key member for Team India

"You know he showed that he has got a lot of potential and moving forward he is gonna be one key member of the Indian team. I am very happy and delighted to see him perform the way he has performed," he said.

Natarajan should stick around with the Test squad

"I am sure he is gonna become better. The more he is gonna play, the more he is gonna get better. I wish him all the luck. I wish you know if he can stay back for the Test matches as well just to learn while you are being around the Test team. Rather than sending him back, let him be with the team and bowl at the nets. Because they have got Starc and other bowlers who are left-arm seamers," he added.

Speaking at Sony Network’s cricket talk show, former Indian vice-captain Virender Sehwag, who was also King XI Punjab's mentor when Natarajan was picked up for the first-time in the IPL. Sehwag likes the option of lining up the 29-year-old along with Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

"India will have a very strong bowling lineup for the T20 World Cup if T Natarajan plays with Bumrah and Bhuvi. The T20 format is such that a bowler who gives fewer runs today, can get hit tomorrow," he said.

A skilled left-arm pacer

"But his execution is very good, whether it is the yorker, slower one, or a length ball. Bumrah also has the same quality. He will realize after this tour, how big a change it has brought to his career. People will want to learn from him and trying to become like him," he added.

A memory from down the lane

"He had told me that his dream was also to play for India but he didn’t feel that he would be able to play in the IPL or for India," Sehwag signed off.