Full Name: Thangarasu Natarajan
Nickname(s): Natarajan, Natty, Yorker King
Date of Birth: 4 April 1991
Age (as of 2025): 34 Years
Place of Birth: Chinnappampatti, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-Handed Batsman
Bowling Style: Left-Arm Medium-Fast
Role in Team: Death-Overs Specialist / Fast Bowler / Yorker Specialist
Early Life & Humble Background
Thangarasu Natarajan, popularly known as T. Natarajan, was born on four April 1991 in Chinnappampatti, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. His adventure to international cricket is one of the most inspiring testimonies in Indian sports activity records. Born into severe poverty, Natarajan grew up in a family that struggled to meet fundamental dreams. His father has become a laborer, and his mother worked as a roadside vendor selling chickens. Due to financial hardships, his lifestyle became far from the established environment of professional sports activities. Yet, cricket has come to be his breakout and ardour. He started out playing tennis-ball cricket in nearby villages and gradually advanced his hobby of rapid bowling. With the guidance of nearby cricket lovers and coaches, he joined a cricket academy in which his specific bowling movement and raw knowledge caught attention. Despite all odds, Natarajan refused to surrender and endured working tirelessly in the direction of his dream.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Natarajan’s professional journey commenced in Tamil Nadu’s domestic circuit, in which he represented the dominion institution in various codes. He made his List A debut inside the Vijay Hazare Trophy and later his fine debut in the Ranji Trophy. His fundamental leap forward on the domestic stage got here along with his loss of life over bowling and capability to supply pinpoint yorkers. These functions made him stand out as a representative rapid bowler, especially in limited-overs cricket. His performances regularly earned him popularity beyond Tamil Nadu, paving the way for his access into the IPL.
IPL Breakthrough & Rise to Fame
T. Natarajan shot to countrywide recognition at some stage in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 even while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Under the mentorship of former pacer Dale Steyn, Natarajan mastered the art of yorker bowling. He has grown to be extensively known as the “Yorker King” of the IPL. His everyday capacity to bowl lethal yorkers on the lack of lifestyles overs made him one of the most dependable rapid bowlers of the season. His performances have been crucial in SRH’s robust campaign, and he has rapidly come to be a fan favorite. This IPL success turned out to be the turning factor that converted him from an unknown bowler into a global cricket sensation.
International Debut & Historic Australia Tour
Natarajan made his worldwide debut in December 2020 during India’s excursion to Australia. He first featured in T20 Internationals and inspired along with his control and calm below strain. He later made his ODI debut and then his Test debut within the identical tour—an unprecedented and ancient fulfillment. What made his story even more splendid was that he was picked as an internet bowler for the excursion and ended up playing in all 3 formats. He brought exquisite performances during the collection, especially in tests, wherein he confirmed huge coronary heart, skill, and resolution, supporting India in a strong ancient series victory.
Bowling Style & Strengths
T. Natarajan is a left-arm medium-speedy bowler renowned for his brilliant accuracy and unrivaled ability to bowl yorkers. Unlike many bowlers who depend totally on tempo, Natarajan combines tempo with precision. His energy lies in his consistency, capability to handle pressure, and intelligence in bowling variations. He is especially powerful in loss of life overs, wherein his pinpoint yorkers and slower balls frequently flip suits in his crew’s favor. His calm technique and tactical cognizance make him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
Career Highlights & Achievements
- Gained international debut in all 3 formats inside the path of Australia excursion
- Nicknamed the Yorker Specialist of India
- Integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack
- Played key role in India’s historical Test collection win in Australia
- Rose from village cricket to global degree
- One of the most incredible comeback memories in Indian cricket
Struggles, Injuries & Comeback Spirit
Despite his meteoric rise, Natarajan has faced accidents that quickly halted his profession. Persistent bodily setbacks required more than one rehab phase, but his determination in no way wavered. Each comeback he made pondered his intellectual power and fighting spirit. His story is regularly stated as an instance of perseverance, region, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Personal Life
T. Natarajan is known for his simplicity, humility, and grounded nature. He married his formative-years sweetheart, Pavithra, and became a father in 2021. His success has transformed his own family’s lifestyles, lifting them out of poverty. Despite his recognition, he stays deeply connected to his village and frequently supports underprivileged youngsters who dream of playing cricket. Off the field, he enjoys spending time with his own family and preserving his health routine.
Awards & Recognition
- Widely praised for inspirational journey
- Recognized by former cricketers and media as a characteristic version
- Honoured for his contribution to Indian cricket
- Appreciated for top-notch performance in Australia excursion
Net Worth (as of 2025)
T. Natarajan’s expected internet worth in 2025 is about ₹12–₹18 Crore INR.
His earnings sources encompass:
- IPL contracts
- BCCI in-shape charges
- Brand endorsements
- Sponsorship offers
- Advertisements
Legacy & Social Impact
Natarajan’s journey from poverty to global cricket has inspired hundreds of thousands across India, especially kids from rural backgrounds. He proved that no dream is, without a doubt, too big if followed through with determination and difficult paintings. His life story is regularly used as motivation in sports documentaries and youngsters’ packages.
Conclusion
T. Natarajan’s existence is an effective narrative of resilience, strength of will, and unbreakable spirit. From gambling on cricket in dusty village grounds to representing India on the sector level, his upward thrust symbolizes hope for endless dreamers. With his super yorkers, calm temperament, and fearless attitude, Natarajan continues to make his mark in Indian cricket. His tale will all the time stay one of the most inspiring trips in the statistics of the sport.
