Despite being one of the top fast bowlers in India, T Natarajan did not receive a spot in the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI for the match against the Mumbai Indians.
After a close defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021, the Sunrisers Hyderabad made four changes to their playing XI. Virat Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Khaleel Ahmed came into the side. Ahmed was a replacement for T Natarajan.
The fans were shocked to see T Natarajan not playing tonight. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, disclosed why Natarajan did not get a spot in the playing XI.
During a brief chat with the commentators, while the innings of the Mumbai Indians team was underway, Tom Moody stated the team management had rested T Natarajan because of the enormous workload he has taken in the past few months.
“T Natarajan has been rested. He has not been dropped,” Tom Moody replied when the commentators asked why Natarajan did not play.
Besides, Tom Moody added that IPL 2021 was a long tournament. Hence, they wished to give some rest.
T Natarajan has played a lot of cricket in the last few months
Workload management in cricket is critical, especially for a fast bowler. Natarajan had played in IPL 2020 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad last year and then traveled to Australia with Team India, where he made his debut in all three formats of the game.
Natarajan then played the home series against England. Hence, it was wise to give him some rest tonight. Khaleel Ahmed has been an impressive performer for the Orange Army in the IPL.
He has been a wicket-taker bowler, so he will likely support Bhuvneshwar Kumar well. Also, the Sunrisers Hyderabad dropped Jason Holder for Mujeeb ur Rahman tonight, which was because of the conditions in Chennai.
