Cricket

Natarajan is a great asset heading into the T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli

 

India skipper Virat Kohli is very happy with how left-arm seamer T Natarajan has stepped up with his performances on this tour of Australia and he is of the opinion that Nattu (as Natarajan is fondly called in India) can be a great asset for India going into the T20 World Cup next year.

In the absence of Shami and Bumrah, he’s been the guy who has stood up and really delivered under pressure, which is outstanding for the fact that he’s playing his first few games at the international level and he looks very composed,” Kohli said after India’s 12-run loss in the dead rubber.

“He’s very sure of what he wants to do, he’s a very hardworking guy, very humble guy. And you feel happy for guys who are committed and working hard for the team, when they get the results and make the team win,” he added.

Natarajan made his international debut in the final ODI of the three-match series against Australia and picked up two wickets to help India to victory. He continued his exploits in the T20I series as well and made a much bigger impact. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, the left-arm seamer finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with six wickets to his name at an economy rate of 6.91.

He was particularly impressive in the first two T20Is at Canberra and Sydney. While he registered figures of 3/30 in the first match, he delivered another superb spell of 4-0-20-2 on a batting track in the second T20I at the SCG.

The 29-year-old was in superb form during the IPL as well, as he picked up 16 wickets in an equal number of matches. He just carried that form forward into the international stage and thus has cemented his place in India’s white-ball squad.

“I wish him all the best and I hope he continues to work hard on his game and keeps getting better. Because a left-arm bowler is always an asset for any team and if he can bowl that well and consistently, I think he’ll be a great thing for us heading into the World Cup next year,” Kohli concluded.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Dan Burn says he’s not here to be a cheerleader after England’s maiden call-up

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn was delighted after he earned his maiden England call-up. Burn… Read More

March 18, 2025

Manolo Marquez reveals Sunil Chhetri will play against Maldives

India head coach Manolo Marquez has revealed that veteran striker Sunil Chhetri will play the… Read More

March 18, 2025

Rajasthan Royals: Schedule, Probable Playing XI, Squad for IPL 2025 – All you need to know

The inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the previous season’s… Read More

March 18, 2025

Alexander Zverev aims to turn tables in Miami, says I like being here

Top seed Alexander Zverev would look to be at his best in the upcoming Miami… Read More

March 18, 2025

Warriors’ Steve Kerr says ‘tired’ Stephen Curry in need of rest

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry is in need of rest.… Read More

March 18, 2025

Lionel Messi out of Argentina squad as MRI reveals injury

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against… Read More

March 18, 2025