Krishnamachari Srikkanth says T Natarajan plays just 40 days a year after trade back to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Srikkanth says the trade back to SRH suits Natarajan because the left-armer plays only 40 days a year despite fitness concerns.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Sunrisers Hyderabad's decision to reacquire left-arm pacer T Natarajan after trading leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari to Delhi Capitals suits the bowler because he plays only about 40 days a year. Natarajan returns to SRH at a reduced price of Rs 5 crore after Delhi signed him for Rs 10.75 crore, though the 32-year-old took just five wickets in 12 matches for the Capitals. Srikkanth questioned the move on his YouTube channel, noting SRH already have Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain and may release Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel to accommodate younger bowlers. He added that Ansari may struggle at Delhi's small ground and that Natarajan could also be exposed on flat Hyderabad pitches unless he bowls his trademark yorkers. Natarajan established himself as a death-over specialist during his earlier stint with SRH from 2020 to 2024 before form and fitness issues limited his impact in recent seasons.
CricHubb Take
Natarajan's return at half his previous price reflects how quickly IPL valuations adjust to recent output, and SRH's willingness to bet on experience over current form may hinge on whether he can still deliver in the final overs.