Natarajan credits DC management for recovery after injury-hit 2025 season

T Natarajan has credited the Delhi Capitals management for their role in his road to recovery following his injury setback last year. Natarajan, bought for a whopping INR 10.75 Cr ahead of the new cycle in 2025, played only two games for the Capitals as a result of an injury. However, the pacer has appeared to regain his rhythm again, featuring in all three games for the franchise so far in the new season.

"Last year, my collarbone was broken, not many people know it," Natarajan said ahead of fixture against CSK. "I was injured for most of the season and I was recovering towards the end of the season. I was not 100% fit. I was around 90% and I couldn't bowl [at full tilt]. The support staff and team management have been in touch with me and are monitoring my matches and training.

"The DC team management has taken care of me in the last one year. Badani sir often chats with me and we even met during the TNPL and had chats. I attended a lot of camps in Delhi, Surat and Hyderabad. They sent me to Dubai for three weeks and the specific focus was on training. I practiced a lot and even played in the DY Patil (tournament) and that gave me confidence and rhythm."

Last year's injury occurred at a pivotal time for the left-arm pacer. He had his most prolific season in terms of wickets in 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping them reach the final before his injury in 2025. "I've had a lot of injuries," he recalled. "Every time I do well, I've had an injury setback. In the 2024 season I did well for SRH, we went to the final and next year unfortunately I hurt my bone while fielding. Whenever I have some success, I've had a break like this. I've motivated myself that I can come back from all these. I've had a strong support system, which has made it easier."

However, the 35-year-old admits that he has the mental resilience now to bounce back from any setback, especially after turning a corner despite being reported for a suspect bowling action more than a decade ago.

"I've had some three-four surgeries so far," he pointed out. "And every year I've had a setback, physically and mentally I've overcome a lot of challenges. The biggest challenge for me was coming back from being called for suspect action. Injuries are a part of the game and it's not in my hands. After coming back from suspect action, I had the confidence that I can comeback from any setback. I was mentally weak at the time, but that gave me the confidence that I can overcome any challenge, including injuries.

"I motivated myself and I stayed true to myself and my strengths. I can now train whenever I want to at my ground in my village. Earlier to train, I had to come to Chennai. I have healthy food and that has helped improve my fitness."

Natarajan also revealed that he no longer relies on bowling with the cross seam to execute his yorkers. "Bowling with the seam has been very difficult," he said. "After bowling with the cross-seam for so many years and now bowling seam yorkers has been very difficult. Why can't I do it? I had that question in my mind. If everyone can do it, I can execute it too."