I am not thinking too much about IPL auction: Pacer T Natarajan

T
Natarajan missed a major part of the last cricket season after sustaining an
injury and contracting COVID-19. Now the India pacer is looking forward to
making a strong comeback in the ongoing calendar. Natarajan is expected to play
in India’s premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy, where he will be
representing Tamil Nadu, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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The
30-year-old will also look forward to fetching a hefty IPL deal in the upcoming
mega actions, scheduled to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. He has set a base
price of Rs 1 crore for himself but due to his recent surge as an international
cricketer, a bidding war is expected among the franchises. For Natarajan,
however, a price war is the least important thing at the moment as his
top priority is to return to the field.

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“I’m
not thinking too much about it [the auction]. IPL, another T20 World Cup –
there are talks about 2022 being a big year – but I just want to focus on my
strengths and keep working hard. If I do that, the rest of the things will fall
in place. I’m coming back after a long break, so I’ll be lying if I say I’m not
nervous.”

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“I’ve
done well in the IPL and for India before, so people will expect strong
performances from me. Once I play one or two matches, I will hit my rhythm and
will be more clear with my plans. I’m feeling refreshed now and just want to
keep doing whatever has worked for me in the past – focusing on my yorkers and
cutters. I want to come back as the old Natarajan,” the 30-year-old told
ESPNCricinfo.

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Natarajan
was first inducted into the IPL auction back in 2017. He had a rather
forgettable season with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), but since 2018 his stint with SunRisers
Hyderabad has been productive. Following his stellar performances with the
Tamil Nadu Ranji team and SRH in IPL, he was also called in the Indian squad
for the 2020-21 Australia tour in which he played a vital role.

Since
the Australia tour, Natarajan’s career has been marred with injuries and
COVID-19 infection which also barred him from playing in the IPL 2021.

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The
pacer made a return to the field in patches. He was part of the Tamil Nadu
side, which won the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title but missed the 50-over Vijay
Hazare Trophy in December.