After a triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, the Indian Cricket team is now focusing on its future prospects. With the retirement of leading players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20I format, the management is keen to test the new and emerging talent that has evolved from the IPL.

The upcoming Zimbabwe tour, a crucial series in the team’s rebuilding phase, is a significant opportunity for these players to prove their calibre and make a mark in the future of the Indian team. While a few players have been exceptional in the recent IPL stint, they haven’t made it to the tour squad. Here’s a list of the five deserving IPL performers who should have sealed a spot in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

1. T Natarajan

T Natarajan has been a vital pacer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long time. His ability to bowl consecutive unplayable yorkers and quick speed deliveries have been instrumental in the Orange Army’s path of success. Natarajan was introduced to the world of International cricket during the 2021 India tour of Australia series. He was a part of all the formats and scalped crucial wickets for the team.

But, with regular injuries, he couldn’t get another International call. His 2024 IPL performance includes scalping 19 wickets in 14 encounters, making him SRH’s highest wicket-taker. As it implies, T Natarajan’s name not available in the upcoming tour has been a surprise for many, with a hope to find him in the upcoming tours.

2. Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh was the buzz of the town during the IPL 2024. He had a terrible experience after the IPL auction, as the Punjab Kings claimed they had signed the player by mistake. Shashank batted in the middle order and scored 354 runs in 14 matches, with a strike rate of 164.25. Despite playing a pivotal role in Punjab’s victories, the 32-year-old was left out of India’s selection for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe.

This startled many fans, especially following his crucial and heroic efforts in leading the Punjab Kings to triumphs, including the most successful run-chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With his current recognition, seeing him compete on the local circuit and potentially earn his maiden international call in the coming days would be intriguing.

3. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma was one of Mumbai Indians’ most dependable hitters in times of need and adversity. The left-handed hitter scored 416 runs with an average of 42 and a strike rate of 150. Varma emerged as one of the most appropriate names for the middle order.

Due to injury, Varma missed Mumbai’s final match of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants, but there’s no reason he wasn’t picked for this series. He began his international career with the West Indies tour and has played an essential part in bolstering the team’s batting order, with many hoping that he will turn the tables and change the course of the team’s middle-order batting.

Also Read: Team India honored by PM Modi for T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

4. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy had a great run in the recently finished IPL season. As a member of the winning Kolkata Knight Riders’ third title trail, his moniker “Mystery Spinner” has aided the three-time champions in boosting their spin attack, which Sunil Narine, the spinmeister, leads.

He took 21 wickets in 15 matches and finished second in the edition’s wicket-taker standings. He last played a T20I for the country in 2021. Still, his improved performance has made him a deserving candidate for a position on the next Zimbabwe trip, especially given the team’s ambitions to have a solid spinner.

5. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has made a commendable comeback through the 2024 IPL. After getting recognition for hitting a game-changing century against the Lucknow Supergiants in the eliminator of the 2022 edition, many expected him to be the next big thing in India.

However, a significant injury hindered his game, which led him to get ruled out of the 2023 edition. His performance in the 2024 edition didn’t comprise high scores. But his swashbuckling approach has helped in obtaining crucial runs for the team. He has scored 395 runs in 15 matches in 2024, with an average of 30.38 and a 177.13 strike rate.

Get ready for another exhilarating season of cricket as the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) returns for its 2024 edition, kicking off on Friday, July 5. Just like last year, eight dynamic teams will battle it out for the coveted TNPL trophy, promising fans a summer filled with high-octane action, nail-biting finishes, and exceptional cricketing talent.

History of TNPL

The TNPL, established in 2016, has rapidly grown into one of India’s premier T20 leagues. It has provided a platform for local talent to shine and has been instrumental in discovering future stars for Indian cricket. Over the years, the league has seen fierce competition, with teams like Chepauk Super Gillies and Lyca Kovai Kings emerging as dominant forces.

See Also: T20 World Cup winning team members to be honored in Maharashtra State Assembly

Teams and Players to watch

The 2024 edition features eight teams, each packed with talent and ready to make their mark. Key players to watch include Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Baba Aparajith, N Jagadeesan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier, Vijay Shankar, T Natarajan, Sai Kishore, and Baba Indrajith. These stars are expected to light up the tournament with their skills and performances.

Kickoff Match: Lyca Kovai Kings vs. Chepauk Super Gillies

The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match between the defending champions Lyca Kovai Kings and the formidable Chepauk Super Gillies at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem. This opening clash promises to set the tone for the rest of the tournament, with key players from both sides looking to make a strong start.

Venue Details

SCF Cricket Ground, Salem

A picturesque venue known for its lively atmosphere and excellent pitch conditions, making it a favorite among players and fans alike.

SBR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore

A relatively new venue but quickly gaining a reputation for high-scoring games and passionate local support.

Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli

A historic ground that has hosted numerous memorable matches, known for its challenging pitch and vibrant crowd.

NPR College Ground, Dindigul

Renowned for its excellent facilities and a track that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

One of India’s iconic cricket stadiums, famous for its electric atmosphere and being a fortress for the home teams.

Tournament format

The TNPL 2024 will follow a single round-robin format, with each team facing every other team once. This ensures a total of 28 league stage matches, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The top four teams will then progress to the playoffs, adopting a format similar to the IPL:

Qualifier 1

The top two teams face off, with the winner earning a direct ticket to the Final.

Eliminator

The third and fourth-placed teams battle it out, with the winner moving on to play the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2.

Qualifier 2

The winner of the Eliminator takes on the loser of Qualifier 1, with the victor advancing to the Final.

Final

The ultimate showdown where the winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 compete for the TNPL 2024 title.

Schedule and Key dates

The league stage runs from July 5 to July 16, across five venues. The Quarter Finals and Eliminator will be played on July 30 and 31 in Dindigul, while the final stages, including Quarter Final 2 and the grand finale, will be hosted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on August 2 and 4.

Double headers

Seven double-headers are scheduled throughout the league stage, with afternoon matches starting at 3:15 pm IST and evening encounters commencing at 7:15 pm IST. This format not only maximizes viewership but also adds to the excitement and intensity of the competition.

Introduction of DRS

For the first time in TNPL history, umpires will have access to the Decision Review System (DRS) for all matches. However, the DRS cannot be used to overturn no-ball or wide calls, ensuring that the system complements the on-field umpires without undermining their authority.

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

All matches will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website. However, none of the games will be broadcast on TV.

Tamil Nadu Premier League 2024: Full schedule

• Match 1: July 5, Lyca Kovai Kings vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 2: July 6, Dindigul Dragons vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 3:15 pm, Salem
• Match 3: July 6, Salem Spartans vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 4: July 7, Nellai Royal Kings vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 3:15 pm, Salem
• Match 5: July 7, Lyca Kovai Kings vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 6: July 8, Dindigul Dragons vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 7: July 9, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 8: July 10, Chepauk Super Gillies vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 9: July 11, Nellai Royal Kings vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Salem
• Match 10: July 13, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 3:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 11: July 13, Lyca Kovai Kings vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 12: July 14, Salem Spartans vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 3:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 13: July 14, Chepauk Super Gillies vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 14: July 15, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 15: July 16, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 16: July 17, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 17: July 18, Salem Spartans vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Coimbatore
• Match 18: July 20, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Nellai Royal Kings, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 19: July 21, Dindigul Dragons vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 3:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 20: July 21, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Salem Spartans, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 21: July 22, Trichy Grand Cholas vs Chepauk Super Gillies, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 22: July 23, Siechem Madurai Panthers vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 23: July 24, Nellai Royal Kings vs IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, 7:15 pm, Tirunelveli
• Match 24: July 26, Dindigul Dragons vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 25: July 27, Salem Spartans vs Lyca Kovai Kings, 3:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 26: July 27, IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Trichy Grand Cholas, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 27: July 28, Chepauk Super Gillies vs Siechem Madurai Panthers, 3:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 28: July 28, Nellai Royal Kings vs Dindigul Dragons, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 29: July 30, Qualifier 1, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 30: July 31, Eliminator, 7:15 pm, Dindigul
• Match 31: August 2, Qualifier 2, 7:15 pm, Chennai
• Match 32: August 4, Final, 7:15 pm, Chennai

TNPL 2024: Squads of all 8 teams

Chepauk Super Gillies: Aparajith B, Arunachalam V, Ayyappan B, Narayan Jagadeesan, Jitendra Kumar CH, Lokesh Raj TD, Madankumar S, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Rahil S Shah, Sibi R, Silambarasan M, Daryl S Ferrario, Periyasamy G, Aswin Christ A, Abhishek Tanwar, Satish R, Shajahan M , Surya B, Santhosh Kumar D, Andre Siddharth C.

Dindigul Dragons: Affan Khader M, Ravichandran Ashwin, Boopathi, Vaishnav Kumar, Diran VP, Indrajith B, Kishore G, Sarath Kumar C, Shivam Singh, Subodh Kumar Bhati, Varun CV, Vignesh P, Vimal Khumar R, Sandeep Warrier, Rocky B, Rohan Raju, Om Nithin K, Ilaiyaraja P, Ashik K.

IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans: Ajith Ram S, Anirudh Sita Ram, Buvaneshwaran P, Ganesh S, Karuppusamy A, Manikandan S, Mohammed Ali S, Radhakrishnan S, Tushar Raheja, Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore R, Thangarasu Natarajan, Maan K Bafna, Anovankar, Ram Kumar, Jeevanantham, Amit Sathvik, Karthik Saran, Rohit R, Madhivanan M

Lyca Kovai Kings: Atheeq ur Rahman MA, Divakar R, Gowtham Thamarai Kannan K, Hemcharan P, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, Mohammed M, Mugilesh U, Om Prakash KM, Ram Arvindh R, Sachin B, Sai Sudharsan B, Shahrukh Khan M, Siddharth M, Sujay S, Suresh Kumar J, Vidyuth P, Yudheeswaran V, Manish GR, Vignesh GV, Meeran Rahil Rahman.

Nellai Royal Kings: Ajithesh G, Arun Karthik KB, Arun Kumar SJ, Emmanuel Cheriyan B, Harish NS, Kabilan N, Lakshay Jain S, Mohan Prasath S, Nidhish S Rajagopal, Rithik Eswaran S, Rohan J, Sonu Yadav R, Sugendhiran P, Suryaprakash L, Mokit Hariharan .S, Gohulmoorthi S, Gowtham V, Abhilash AV, Kirubakaran R, Silambarasan R.

Salem Spartans: Abhishiek S, Ganesh Moorthi M, Guru Sayee S, Jaganath Sinivas RS, Kavin R, Mohammed Adnan Khan, Sachin Rathi, Selvakumaran N, Sunny Sandhu, Vivek R, Harish Kumar S, Aushiq Srinivas R, Robin Singh Bist, Shijit Chandran P, Vishal Vaidhya K, Poiyamozhi M, Rajan R, Yazh Arun Mozhi, Tarun Kumar V, Sudhan Sanjeevi Kandepan.

Siechem Madurai Panthers: Aditya V, Ajay K Krishnan, Ashwin M, Ayush M, Gurjapneet Singh, Hari Nishaanth C, Kousik J, Lokeshwar S, Rahul D, Saravanan P, Sri Abisek AS, Swapnil K Singh, Washington Sundar MS, Chatruvedh NS, Sasidev. U, Alexander R, Kiran Akash, Ajay Chetan J, Karthik Manikandan VS, Akram Khan M.

Trichy Grand Cholas (Ba11sy Trichy): Anthony Das, Adithyaraj Davidson, Eswaran K, Francis Rokins, Ganga Sridhar Raju V, Godson G, Jafar Jamal, Mani Bharathi K, Raj Kumar K, Raj Kumar R, Vinod SP, Saravanakumar P, Vignesh K, Sanjay Yadav R, Nirmal Kumar P, Shyam Sundar, Mohammed Ashik, Arjun P Murthy, Arya Yohan Menon, Rajin J.

In the 2024 IPL edition, while the batters stole the show, it’s undeniable that the game was shaped by the impact of the ball. Amidst the high-scoring runs and memorable batting innings, some standout bowling performances significantly influenced the top-notch batting displays.

This article will delve into the top 5 bowling highlights of the 2024 IPL edition, shedding light on the bowlers who made a significant impact. 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Rajasthan Royals- 3/23 

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for its strong batting attacks and high team scores, the absence of their prime-purchased spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to an injury was a significant blow. However, they managed to turn the tide in their Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals, a crucial game that would determine their path to the final.

They relied on their part-time and all-rounder spinners to exploit the no-dew and turning pitch conditions. One such standout was Shahbaz Ahmed, who played a crucial role in scalping the Royals’ batting order wickets. With an economy of a mere 5.75 and having spin-handy support of Abhishek Sharma, they have triumphed a win over the Royals by 36 runs and made their way to their third IPL final. 

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) vs Mumbai Indians- 4/28

The Impact Player rule has been in action since the 2023 IPL edition, and it has stirred a lot of controversies among cricket fanatics and the experienced sports fraternity. Still, this bowling highlight is a prime example of how this rule changes the game’s dynamics.

When Chennai Super Kings set up a target of 207 against a swashbuckling Mumbai Indians batting order, Super Kings’ Pathirana displayed his pace skills and flummoxed Mumbai Indians batting order by scalping four wickets of just 28 runs, with a commendable economy of seven runs. This performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. 

3. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 3/34

When the top Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, was bought for a colossal INR 24.5 Crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, many critics gave their words on the costly and unnecessary purchase.

But during the Qualifier-1 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc proved his calibre of why he’s the best in the business with his crucial performance during the game by scalping major wickets of the robust Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup, by taking three wickets of just 34 runs, at an economy of 8.5, with the swing and pace with the new ball being the highlight. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 5 best batting highlights of IPL 2024

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 3/14

IPL has been a breeding ground for young and emerging cricketing talent, domestic or foreign players. With this season witnessing several promising domestic talents, one such talent arises from the pace bowling department. Mayank Yadav is one of the elements of Lucknow Super Giants’ young-blooded and emerging bowling attack, where his bowling speed has done the talking.

His first-ever IPL delivery clocked at a fiery pace of 147 mph, with other deliveries clocking at 155.8 mph. The speed gun displayed his pace and wicket-taking abilities in his second IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had scalped three wickets at an astonishing economy of 3.5, leading the team to a 28-run win and earning his first-ever MOM award. Though his injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, he has a bright future ahead and is getting a chance to get his maiden international call. 

5. T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals- 4/19 

Hailed as the Yorker King, T Natarajan has been a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long period and has been vital in scalping pivotal wickets. This match acts as one such instance. Giving a colossal target of 267 runs against a powerful batting order of Delhi Capitals, T Natarajan provided some unplayable deliveries.

He took a triple-wicket maiden over in his final over, summing up his quality pace attack. There is a noteworthy mention of T Natarajan being the team’s highest wicket-taker and the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (19 wickets). 

The Indian cricket fraternity buzzes with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Led by the seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, the squad boasts experience and youthful exuberance, aiming to clinch glory on the global stage.

The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar ignored some deserving players from the squad. Instead of these deserving players, BCCI selected the quota of players. Let’s look at the 5 players who deserved a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. 

See Also: Ajit Agarkar explains reasons behind exclusion of Rinku Singh and KL Rahul from T20 WC squad

1.Rinku Singh: The ‘Finisher’ and His Reserve Position

Amidst the roster reveals, the absence of Rinku Singh from the primary squad raised eyebrows. Known for his adept finishing skills, Singh earned acclaim in international cricket yet found himself among the reserve players. Singh’s stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL underscored his potential, but a lacklustre season hindered his selection. Rinku scored 356 runs in 15 T20 International matches, including 2 half-centuries. During this period his strike rate has been 176.23.

Surely, he deserved a place in a 15-member squad because Team India needs a finisher in the lower order, and in recent times, no one has been a better finisher than Rinku Singh. Speaking on his exclusion, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated it is really unfortunate, it is not his fault that he missed out. It’s about combinations.

2.Shubman Gill: From IPL Stardom to Reserve Opener

Shubman Gill’s journey from IPL prominence to the reserve bench showcases the fickleness of cricketing fortunes. Despite an illustrious IPL 2023 campaign and captaincy at Gujarat Titans, Gill’s tepid performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 led to his reserve player status. 

Gill scored 890 runs in IPL 2023 with the help of 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries. After this, he became the Gujarat Titans captain in IPL 2024. His prowess as an opener remains, but consistency eluded him this season. This season of IPL, Gill has scored 320 runs in 10 matches.

Gill’s performance could have been better this season, but his attitude as a player and skipper increased under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra in IPL. The way he treated his boys on the field is just fascinating for every Indian cricket fan because everyone sees the next Indian skipper in him, and his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad is nothing but a ridiculous decision from selectors.

3.Ravi Bishnoi: Struggles and Competition in the Spin Department

Ravi Bishnoi’s narrative embodies the competitive nature of cricketing selection. Initially touted as a prospect, Bishnoi’s recent form faltered, facing stiff competition from counterparts like Yuzvendra Chahal. With limited opportunities and subpar performances, Bishnoi’s inclusion in the squad became uncertain.

On the back of consistent performance in the IPL, he was fast-tracked to the national setup as well, and since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 24 T20Is and 1 ODI. For a wicket-taker bowler, he has only had five wickets at an average of 41.80 in eight matches and has leaked runs at 8.47. 

As per BCCI rule, they want new boys should play more matches, so why have they haven’t picked Ravi Bishnoi in the squad? He has that ability, which you want in any player to perform at the international level. Although his ranking in ICC Men’s T20I bowler is 6, now what do you want from a player?

4.KL Rahul: A Batsman in Tough Competition

KL Rahul’s predicament epitomizes the selection dilemma posed by an abundance of talent. Despite commendable performances for Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul grapples with the presence of formidable openers ahead of him in the pecking order. The fierce competition, coupled with stylistic similarities, complicates Rahul’s path to selection.

Based on runs scored, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul makes a solid case to be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad with 406 runs in ten matches, striking at 142.95 and 5th place in the Orange Cap list. 

He will be the best option if it comes down to choosing the backup openers. He has a lot of experience and can also be picked from a backup wicketkeeper’s perspective. 

Talking about his selection, Ajit explained, “KL’s a terrific player, we all know that. We were looking for guys who bat at the middle and KL bats at the top. Sanju can come down the order. Rishabh is batting at 5; that was more the thinking. Two incredible players as well”.

If we take a deep dive into this statement, we might see the hypocrisy of BCCI. Just one year before, when Team India didn’t have any player to bat at no.4, KL was there; India wanted an opener, then KL was there. Even KL bats from opening to no.6 position; what else do you want? KL opens in IPL, but BCCI clarified that they are not looking at IPL performances to select players. Then why they haven’t picked KL Rahul in the squad is a mystery.

5. T Natarajan: Deserving Selection and IPL Performance

In contrast, the inclusion of T Natarajan resonates with merit and performance. The Sunrisers Hyderabad’s left-arm pacer showcased remarkable prowess in the IPL 2024, securing 15 wickets in eight matches. Natarajan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and an impressive economy rate solidified his berth in the squad.

Currently, he is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Possessing an uncanny knack for delivering precise yorkers and maintaining stringent lines, Natarajan has emerged as an effective bowler in the death overs. 

Before the squad announcement former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar already stated that SRH left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan deserved a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“I was thinking more like T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer bowler. He has been bowling extremely well. So, I thought maybe he could have been in the team. But that’s okay. I think the seam bowlers that they have got, they all have experience. So no problem with that,” Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.

Imagine sitting down for an exam and scanning the question paper, and realising you had all the answers. Royal Challengers Bangalore were coming into this game with four wins in five. One more and they could go joint-top of the table. Now imagine seeing every one of those questions you were so sure you knew the answers to just magically change to utter gibberish. Royal Challengers were bowled out for 68 and beaten by nine wickets in a match that only lasted 24.1 overs.

One over. Three runs. Three wickets. If new-ball bowling is an art, Marco Jansen was, at least for tonight, Pi-flippin-casso. His first wicket had the batter recoiling from the sound of his castle coming down, Faf du Plessis, turned into an S by the away movement and bowled past the leading edge.His second wicket was Virat Kohli. And this was a peach too. Full and angled across the right-hander. Pitching before he could reach it with the extra cover drive and stealing the edge through to the slips.

You look at Jansen and his 6’7″ frame, and you know he is going to get scary bounce. But if he is also capable of seaming the ball like this – and he got it to go both ways as well – he is going to be an invaluable asset to any number of teams. Having been 5 for 2, 20 for 4 and 47 for 6, Royal Challengers crashed to the sixth-lowest total in IPL history, and then suffered the fourth-biggest loss in terms of balls remaining (72). Demolition jobs like that require a little support from the other end too and T Natarajan provided it, his 3 for 10 in three overs taking him up to second spot on the wicket-takers list.

Must Read: Gujarat Titans Proving Their Doubters Wrong with Strong Wins: IPL 2022

SRH of course looks good with bowl, masterclass shown today

Glenn Maxwell has been very adamant about attacking the bowlers any time he has been at the crease this IPL. And he has done it so well that prior to this game, he had the second-highest strike rate (193.10) among all batters who had faced at least 50 deliveries this season.But is he he really giving himself enough of a chance to influence games? He came in to bat in the first over against Sunrisers, and fell in the fifth. Against Lucknow Super Giants, he was in in the first over, out in the seventh. Delhi Capitals, in in the third, out in the 12th. Chennai Super Kings, in in the sixth, out in the seventh.

Maxwell has the ability to score a 150 in a T20 match. He should really give himself more time in the middle. Kane Williamson has won seven tosses in eight games. That is the cricketing equivalent of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. But he wasn’t satisfied with that. He knew he could do more; that he could pull rhinos out of that hat.The moment Williamson saw some early seam movement, he gave Jansen a couple of slips. BAM. Kohli caught at second slip. 5 for 2.Dinesh Karthik is a phenomenal sweeper of the ball.

He went for one here, but only feathered it through to the keeper. The umpire didn’t give it out. So Williamson knew what he had to do. DRS. Bingo.He also took two glorious catches, one diving forward to collect a ball inches off the ground. BAM. Maxwell gone. The other running back, tracking a skier over his shoulder. BAM. Game over. Out for a golden duck in back-to-back games, Kohli’s average for the season is a barely-believable 17. That, for context, is just one point better than Mohammed Siraj. Kohli really could use a break. But this is a T20 World Cup year, and now that he is no longer captain.

Four wins in a row has brought the Sunrisers Hyderabad back to a comfortable position and a lot of credit can be given to the variations in their pace attack. Against Punjab, Bhuvneshwar Kumar came in for a spell at the death. Before the IPL, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s international career seemed in the balance. A poor showing with no intensity in the previous World Cup put Bhuvneshwar Kumar off the radar a bit, but he has bounced back brilliantly in the ongoing tournament.

With Livingstone and Odean Smith in front of him, Kumar brought out his variations and frustrated Punjab before taking their wickets. His success is even more frustrating considering the pace he bowls. In Umran Malik, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have a bowler who can run in and bowl 150+ with ease. His pace was on display in the previous game as Umran Malik bowled a maiden in the final over.

Against Kolkata, Umran Malik impressed Dale Steyn with a solid yorker, while he also controlled Andre Russell nicely in the death with some sharp deliveries. Facing aggressive batters in both PBKS and KKR allowed Umran Malik to take the advantage in an interesting battle. While his high pace can often be a reason to leak runs, he has shown the impact pace provides when bowled well.

With Umran Malik coming in fast and furious, batters may take things a little easier against the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar who operates slower. By doing so, Kumar often becomes a target in the death overs, but his bag of tricks allows him to find a way past the batters.

While both bowlers are doing a great job, Sunrisers Hyderabad possess another pacer who can take the new ball with ease. In Marco Jansen, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have a tall pacer who can swing the ball and also bowl discomforting lengths. Bowling from 6ft 8 inches, Jansen can get the ball to bounce in odd manners, and can also assist Bhuvneshwar Kumar with his swing, giving the Sunrisers Hyderabad a well-rounded new-ball attack.

See Also: IPL 2022: Match 32, DC vs PBKS Match Prediction – Who will win today’s IPL Match? – Cricket Winner

The final piece in the Sunrisers puzzle is T Natarajan. In the start of the season most eyes were on Umran Malik’s pace and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lack of form coming into the tournament. T Natarajan was coming in after missing 2021 due to an injury, but had an incredible 2020. With a lot of attention on the other two pacers, T Natarajan quickly attracted some eyes with his Yorkers. He is their leading wicket-taker this season, and is working nicely as a strike-bowler in the line-up.

T Natarajan isn’t as fast as Umran Malik and doesn’t extract swing like Bhuvi, but is playing a key role in the side. Often coming in towards the end or after the powerplay. Natarajan is used in one over spells, mostly to limit the run scoring. Six games in, Natarajan has already provided some wonderful Yorkers and is working nicely as a bowler who can be relied on when a breakthrough is required.

With Natarajan coming in with his one over spells, the Sunrisers Hyderabad are building a nice four man pace attack. Their bench has some talent as well with Kartik Tyagi in the hut. Tyagi himself can bowl at a high speed, competing with Umran Malik, giving Sunrisers Hyderabad loads of options with the ball.

After a slow start, Hyderabad are finally showcasing their bowling strength and proving that a strong bowling attack can take a team very far. They have won the last four games, but are still pretty silent when it comes to the playoff’s discussion. With intellect and raw pace though, Sunrisers have a ferocious pace attack which can boss most batting line-ups if one of their bowlers get it right.

T Natarajan tests positive for Covid-19 today.

Sunrisers Hyderabad player T Natarajan tested positive for Covid-19 on wednesday who underwent a RT-PCR test. SRH are scheduled to resume their game later today against Delhi Capitals at Dubai. 

The six members who have been identified as close contacts are Vijay Shankar(Player), Vijay Kumar (Team Manager), Shyam Sundar(Junior Physiotherapist), Anjana Vannan(Doctor), Tushar Khedkar (Logistics Manager) and Periyasamy Ganesan (Net Bowler). The BCCI stated that Natarajan has isolated himself from the rest of the squad and is currently not showing any symptoms as of now. “The rest of the squad including the close contacts who went through RT-PCR, tested negative. As a result, tonight’s game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals will go ahead at the Dubai International Stadium” the official IPL mail announced.

This news has put a lot of fans and cricket experts in stress as T Natarajan is considered to be go-to bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the death overs. SRH are hoping to turn tables around as they are currently at the 8th position in the points table. This is the first match of SRH in the second leg of IPL. Let us wish Natarajan for a speedy recovery and get ready to catch the live action at Dubai today at 7:30 IST.

IPL 2021: T Natarajan has had an amazing kickstart in his career. He got an opportunity to play for the Indian National Team in the wake of being part of the squad as a ‘net bowler’. In spite of the fact that Australia seems to be an overwhelming spot to make an international debut, Natarajan looked splendid. He had effectively shown potential to be a death-bowler in the IPL and he filled his status as a yorker-king during the tour down-under. 

In any case, apart from memories and rich experience, Natarajan additionally allegedly ended up picking a knee injury from the tour which he carried into IPL 2021 too, where after playing only two matches for his franchise(Sunrisers Hyderabad). After playing a couple of games for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the left-arm pacer opted out of the season to undergo surgery.

Also read: IPL Phase 2 know about the Date and time discussed by BCCI

Presently, he is focusing on a return at IPL 2021 when it continues in UAE in the wake of being suspended in the first week of May due to many Covid outbreaks inside the different franchisee bubbles. 

The suspension of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 because of the rising Coronavirus cases in its bio-bubble was less than a blessing in disguise for T Natarajan. The Tamil Nadu speedster, who made a stupendous debut in international cricket, getting a knee injury during the Australia series which he conveyed into the tournament. 

Following his leave, the second wave of Covid took a brutal toll on the league, just after that. But the good news or the uplifting news is, the rest of the IPL 2021 will be held in UAE in September, and Natarajan is destined to regain his fitness by then. 

He is on the way to recuperation and going through rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. While talking with the New Indian Express in a meeting, Natarajan said he is intending to get back to the UAE leg of the tournament. 

Also read: New IPL Teams: BCCI plans outline for 2 new IPL franchises, player retention, and a mega auction

“I’m advancing great after the surgery. I have begun training gradually. I will begin bowling at full tilt in the nets before the current month ends. My spotlight right presently is on recovering fully and returning when the IPL restarts,” Natarajan was quoted as saying. 

“The fact that the IPL got suspended when it did has ended up to be a good thing in the end. None of it was in my grasp obviously,” he added.

Despite the fact that he has gained great progress as far as recovery is concerned, Natarajan would not want to push the process of healing. He would not like to think too far into the future – T20 World Cup – specifically. 

Following the rescheduled IPL 2021, Team India will move their focus on the much-anticipated T20 World Cup which begins from 17 October in the UAE. However, Natarajan isn’t pondering that at this moment. Instead, he is focusing on returning to the field as soon as possible.

While IPL is the immediate focus, getting picked for the T20 World Cup, additionally to be played in UAE, stays the greater objective for the 30-year-old despite the fact that he’s not too much stressed over it. 

“I’m not thinking much about the T20 World Cup right now. I’m thinking more about my recovery. If I do well in the IPL, the opportunity to be selected for the T20 World Cup will come on its own. That is my conviction. Yet, for that, my recovery should be spot on,” he finished up.