IPL 2021: Tom Moody reveals the reason for not including T Natarajan in MI vs SRH clash

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are currently fighting it out in the ninth match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The defending champions came into this match after a stunning come-from-behind win against Kolkata Knight Riders. But the David Warner-led side had lost both the games and are desperate to get off the mark in terms of points as soon as possible.

But the Orange Army seemed to have gone into panic mode as they made four changes for the game against MI. The under-performing Wriddhiman Saha was left out with Jonny Bairstow moving up the order while Jason Holder who accounted for three scalps in the previous game, was also benched for Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

However, T Natarajan’s exclusion surprised many as Khaleel Ahmed, the left-arm pacer, replaced him in the line-up. Natarajan was the best bowler last season for SRH and he made his international debut on the back of that performance as well playing for India in all three formats. Moreover, he also fared decently in the two matches that he played this season and many were perplexed to not see him in SRH’s playing XI.

However, SRH’s Director of Cricket Tom Moody has confirmed that the pacer wasn’t dropped from the team at all. He also revealed that the management is managing Natarajan’s workload and has been rested for the match against MI.

Is Natarajan prone to injury?

T Natarajan was one of the finds of IPL 2020 and he also impressed many with his bowling on the Australia tour. Rather in the only Test he played at the Gabba, the fast bowler made things happen when the chips were down. But ever since he has come back from the tour, even the BCCI is carefully managing him.

The board first requested Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to release him from the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Moreover, he was spotted at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) even after the ODI series between India and England began despite being in the squad.

It was reported that he was nursing an injury and only joined the team later, also playing the final ODI. This brings up the question whether T Natarajan is prone to injury.