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 INR 10.75 Cr ahead of the 2025 season, played only two games for the Capitals due to injury. The pacer has now regained his rhythm, featuring in all three games for the franchise so far this season.

"Last year, my collarbone was broken, not many people know it," Natarajan said ahead of the fixture against CSK. "I was injured for most of the season and was recovering towards the end. I was not 100% fit. The support staff and team management have been in touch with me, 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. I attended camps in Delhi, Surat, and Hyderabad. They sent me to Dubai for three weeks for focused training. I practiced a lot and played in the DY Patil tournament, which gave me confidence and rhythm."

The injury occurred at a pivotal time. He had his most prolific season in terms of wickets in 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping them reach the final before getting injured 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. I've motivated myself that I can come back from all these. I've had a strong support system."

The 35-year-old admits he now has the mental resilience to bounce back from any setback, including being reported for a suspect bowling action more than a decade ago.

"I've had three-four surgeries so far. Every year I've had a setback, but I've overcome a lot of challenges. The biggest challenge was coming back from being called for suspect action. Injuries are a part of the game. After that comeback, I had the confidence that I can return from any setback. I was mentally weak at the time, but that experience gave me confidence.

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

Natarajan also revealed he no longer relies on bowling with the cross seam to execute his yorkers.

"Bowling with the seam has been very difficult. After bowling with the cross-seam for so many years, switching to seam yorkers has been a challenge. I thought, if everyone can do it, I can execute it too."