New Delhi: The last few months have been nothing short of a fairy tale for T Natarajan. After the landmark tour of Australia where the southpaw has become the first-ever Indian to make his debut across all three formats during a single tour, Natarajan played a key part in helping India win the four-match Test series 2-1.
On returning home to Chinnapampatti in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, he received a heroic welcome. He was greeted by hoardings, drumrolls and firecrackers. In a media interaction on Friday, Natarajan spoke about his experience in Australia and said he had tears in his eyes when Virat Kohli handed over the T20I trophy to him.
“When Kohli handed over the trophy to me after the T20I series win, I had tears in my eyes. Having played in the IPL and played alongside many Indian and foreign players helped as that experience was useful. I could communicate with them and learn from them. First, it was tough but as things went on, I was able to pick up many things,” Natarajan said.
“I was keen to do my job. But I didn’t expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs, was not expecting to make my debut in Australia. I cannot express my happiness in words about playing for India. It was like a dream. I got a lot of support from the coaches, players. They supported and motivated me a lot. I was able to perform well because of their backing.”
Natarajan revealed that it was not at all easy for him to deliver consistently across all three formats. He also said stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli handled him well by giving him encouragement throughout. He also thanked his teammates who backed and supported him throughout the series.
“Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane handled me very well. They had positive things to say and encouraged me a lot. I enjoyed playing under both of them. Other players supported me in the dressing room. Their motivation and support helped me. I was under pressure to perform when the opportunity was offered. My only thought was to take wickets. It was like a dream to take Australian wickets,” he added.
The 29-year-old had become a father during IPL 2020 when he was playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the UAE. However, due to the strict restrictions of the bio-bubble in the UAE, T Natarajan couldn’t meet his child. He did not return home from the IPL and then went straight to Australia for the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The left-hander said he has no regrets about missing the birth of his daughter as he felt proud about representing his country at the international level. “More than the newborn, my wife and I was proud that I could play for my country. Hard work will never go to waste. It is always rewarding.” he added.
