Dindigul Dragons fast bowler speaks about comparisons with Mustafizur Rahman

Dindigul Dragons bowler and today’s Man of the Match T Natarajan addressed the media after his team’s seven-wicket win against the Karaikudi Kaalai at the NPR College Ground, Natham on Sunday, in the India Cements TN Premier League. Excerpts from the transcript:

You are being compared with Mustafizur Rahman…

(smiles) I have reached nowhere when compared to him because I am just starting my career. But of course, I would want to grow like him in future.

Any specific strategies for your yorkers?

Right from my childhood yorkers used to come naturally to me even with tennis balls. So that has helped me even now.

Last year, you had to remodel your bowling action…

I didn’t play for a year after I had a suspect action. I worked with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). It was difficult and I got the clearance only in January this year. Mentally I was upset because I couldn’t play any matches. But my elder brother supported me and encouraged me for one year.

TNCA, especially Suresh Subramanium Sir also helped and I used TN Premier League as an ideal comeback platform.I had to straighten my hand to bowl, so I had problems with my shoulder initially. Physios thought the new action didn’t set for me, but I have found my rhythm after one year.

Would you prefer to bowl in death overs or to open the bowling?

I want to do well with the new ball as well, though I am now doing well at the death.

Dindigul is a spin-heavy team. How did you find your way as the fast bowler?

My main advantage is that I am the only fast bowler in the team, everyone is classified as all-rounder. Plus, I am a left hand fast bowler, so I try to use that as an added advantage. I also learnt a lot from (R) Ashwin Sir since he provides me with lot of ideas and he also teaches me from his experience.

Any compliments from him?

Yes, he encouraged me after I bowled that super over. (against the Albert TUTI Patriots at Tirunelveli).

Batsmen will innovate in the higher levels. How will you plan against them?

I want to concentrate on bowling well with the new ball. I don’t have a problem bowling in the death overs because yorkers come naturally to me. I am able to adjust and bowl according to the batsman and am comfortable with slower deliveries. Apart from this, I want to concentrate on bouncers. I also want to increase my bowling speed.