Male Cricketer
Thangarasu Natarajan, born on 4 April 1991, is an accomplished Indian cricketer known for his contributions in both domestic and international cricket. He currently represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket.
Natarajan's cricket journey began in Chinnappampatti, a village near Salem in Tamil Nadu. He was raised by his parents, with his father working as a weaver and his mother running a fast-food stall. Natarajan is the eldest of five siblings. In June 2018, he married his schoolmate Pavithra, and in November 2020, they welcomed a daughter named Hanvika.
His career started with his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy. He later made appearances in Twenty20 and List A formats as well. Natarajan's prowess led to his selection in IPL teams, including Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His performances caught the attention of the Indian team selectors, and he was added to India's squad for the tour of Australia in 2020.
Natarajan achieved a remarkable feat during India's tour of Australia in 2020–21 by becoming the first Indian cricketer to make his international debut across all three formats on the same tour. He made his T20I debut against Australia on 4 December 2020, delivering notable performances, particularly with his yorkers and variations in the death overs. He continued to impress in ODIs and Test cricket, contributing crucial wickets to the Indian team's success.
In the IPL, Natarajan's skills were recognized by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who bought him in the 2022 auction. He performed well, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for the team in the tournament.
Natarajan's cricketing journey is an inspiring tale of determination and perseverance. Rising from humble beginnings, he has made a mark on the international stage with his skills as a bowler. His contribution to the Indian team and his performances in various formats reflect his dedication and passion for the game.