The ₹10.75 Crore Question: T. Natarajan's Injury Nightmare And Redemption Path For Delhi Capitals In IPL 2025 And Beyond
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a league of high-stakes contracts and even higher expectations, and no player embodied this drama more than T. Natarajan during the 2025 season. As of December 20, 2025, the narrative surrounding the left-arm fast bowler is one of a massive financial commitment, a devastating injury setback, and a bold show of faith from his new franchise, the Delhi Capitals (DC). Natarajan’s journey from a career-best 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad to an injury-marred 2025 with DC has become a central talking point ahead of the next season's planning.
The veteran pacer, known globally for his pinpoint yorkers and 'death-over expertise,' was the subject of a fierce bidding war that saw him move from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the Delhi Capitals for a staggering ₹10.75 crore for the IPL 2025 season. This incredible valuation was a direct result of his stellar form, yet fate intervened, turning his highly anticipated debut into a frustrating season on the sidelines.
Thangarasu Natarajan: Full Biography and Career Profile
Thangarasu Natarajan, universally known as T. Natarajan, is a story of perseverance and a remarkable ascent from humble beginnings to international cricket stardom. His unique skill set, particularly his ability to deliver accurate yorkers under pressure, has made him one of the most valuable death-over specialists in the world.
- Full Name: Thangarasu Natarajan
- Date of Birth: April 4, 1991
- Age (as of Dec 20, 2025): 34 years
- Birthplace: Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
- Role: Bowler (Left-Arm Fast Seam)
- Batting Style: Left Handed Bat
- IPL Debut: 2017 (for Punjab Kings)
- International Debut: December 2020 (India)
- Key Skill: Pinpoint Yorkers and Death-Over Bowling
Natarajan’s career gained global traction during the 2020 IPL season, earning him the nickname 'Nattu' and a subsequent call-up to the Indian national team across all three formats during the historic 2020/21 tour of Australia.
The Dramatic ₹10.75 Crore Move and the IPL 2025 Setback
The IPL 2025 season was meant to be a triumphant new chapter for T. Natarajan. His previous season, IPL 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, had been his most successful to date, where he played a crucial role in the team reaching the final. His performance, which included taking 19 wickets in 17 matches, showcased his peak form and justified the massive interest from other franchises.
The Delhi Capitals, desperate for a reliable Indian fast bowler, secured his services for a monumental ₹10.75 crore in the auction for the 2025 season, outbidding rivals like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Unfortunately, the dream start quickly turned into a nightmare. Natarajan was plagued by a persistent shoulder injury that severely limited his participation in the season. Despite the massive price tag and the high expectations from the DC management and fans, the left-arm pacer was only able to bowl a total of three overs throughout the entire IPL 2025 campaign.
This situation created immense pressure. A high-value player missing an entire season is a significant financial and strategic blow to any franchise. The injury not only sidelined Natarajan but also deprived the Delhi Capitals of the specialist death-bowling option they had invested so heavily in.
Why Delhi Capitals Retained Natarajan for IPL 2026 Despite the Injury
The biggest story emerging from the aftermath of the IPL 2025 season is the Delhi Capitals’ surprising and resolute decision to retain T. Natarajan ahead of the next major auction cycle (for IPL 2026). Given his lack of playtime in 2025, many analysts predicted he would be released to free up the substantial salary cap space.
However, DC chose to keep him, a decision that speaks volumes about the franchise's long-term strategy and their faith in his unique talent.
The Rationale Behind DC's Strategic Retention
The retention was not just a sentimental move; it was a calculated strategic decision based on several key factors:
- Unmatched Skill Set: Natarajan is one of the few Indian bowlers with genuine, world-class death-over expertise. His ability to consistently land a yorker is a rare commodity, and DC understands that such a skill is worth the risk.
- Injury Clarity: DC head coach Hemang Badani publicly clarified that Natarajan’s absence was purely due to the injury, not poor form or fitness issues. This indicated the franchise was confident in his full recovery and return to form.
- Long-Term Investment: The ₹10.75 crore was an investment in a five-year window of peak performance. DC is looking beyond one injury-marred season, betting that a fully fit Natarajan will be a match-winner for years to come.
- Lack of Indian Alternatives: Finding a quality, experienced Indian fast bowler, especially a left-armer, is incredibly difficult in the auction. Retaining him ensured they did not have to compete for a similar player at a potentially higher price.
The retention confirms that the Delhi Capitals management views Natarajan as a cornerstone of their bowling attack. They are banking on his return to full fitness to justify the massive price tag and fulfill the role of a reliable strike bowler in the crucial Powerplay and death overs.
The Road Ahead: Fitness, Form, and Future Prospects
For T. Natarajan, the focus is now entirely on recovery and regaining match fitness ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The pressure on him remains immense, not only because of his high price but also because of the franchise's unwavering belief in his potential despite the 2025 setback.
The success of the Delhi Capitals' bowling unit in the upcoming seasons will heavily depend on the form of their star left-arm pacer. Fans and critics will be keenly watching his domestic cricket appearances leading up to the next IPL cycle, hoping to see the return of the 'yorker king' who lit up the 2024 season. His journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of elite sports, where a single injury can halt a career-defining moment, yet a franchise’s faith can pave the way for a spectacular comeback.
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