T. Natarajan Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
T. Natarajan is one of the most inspiring stories in Indian cricket, why? The reason is his journey from humble beginnings in Salem to representing India on the big stage. Known for his yorkers and calm nature, he has gone from playing tennis-ball cricket to becoming a reliable left-arm fast bowler in the IPL. When it comes to India’s cricket history, he has left behind a story of hard work, perseverance and luck.
Known as the “Yorker King”, Natarajan became a sensation during the 2020-21 tour of Australia. In it, he made his debut in all three formats in a single series, a rare and proud achievement for any cricketer.
Early Life And Background
Born into a humble family in Salem, Tamil Nadu, T. Natarajan’s early life was full of challenges. His father worked in a power loom, and his mother ran a roadside food stall to make ends meet.
Cricket was a luxury game, yet the young Natarajan was drawn to the game through tennis-ball tournaments. This is why his yorkers became so sharp
He started working as a daily wage labourer (“coolie”) before his bowling talent caught the attention of A. Jayaprakash. He was a division cricketer from Chennai, who helped him to play professional cricket. That one move changed Natarajan’s destiny forever.
Rise To Fame
Natarajan first gained recognition in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) while playing for Dindigul Dragons. With his death-over accuracy and ability to bowl yorkers at will, he impressed everyone from fans to opponents. His performances earned him a place in the Tamil Nadu Ranji team and soon caught the attention of IPL scouts.
In 2017, during the IPL auction, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) bought him for ₹3 crore. This made his transformation from tennis-ball bowler to millionaire IPL player a truly rags-to-riches tale.
Domestic And IPL Journey
After his success, Natarajan’s journey was not an easy one. Injuries and limited opportunities initially slowed his progress, but his perseverance paid off.
In 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bought him for ₹40 lakh, and even though he didn’t play that season, he trained with the best in the business. There, he continued to hone his skills and learn the art of bowling under pressure.
His real breakthrough came in the IPL 2020 season, where he bowled over 60 yorkers in a single tournament and earned widespread acclaim from fans. Until the IPL 2025 season, Natarajan represented SRH, Punjab Kings and later Delhi Capitals. He played 63 matches and took 67 wickets at an economy of 8.94.
International Debut And Career
Natarajan’s dream came in 2020, when he was selected as the net bowler for India’s tour of Australia. However, fate had different plans. Injuries to the frontline bowlers earned Natarajan a place in the main team and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Debut in International Cricket:
- ODI debut: against Australia, December 2, 2020, Manuka Oval
- T20I debut: against Australia, December 4, 2020, Manuka Oval
- Test debut: against Australia, January 15, 2021, The Gabba
Natarajan became the first Indian player to debut in all three formats in a single tour. In the Gabba Test, Natarajan took three wickets, helping India to a historic series win over Australia. His composure and consistency under pressure made him an overnight national hero.
Career Statistics Summary
Batting
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | – | 9 | 11.11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 4 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 21 | 23 | 9 | 29 | 12 | 2.07 | 163 | 17.79 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| List A | 25 | 8 | 6 | 15 | 7* | 7.50 | 30 | 50.00 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| T20s | 97 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 3* | 8.00 | 15 | 53.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Econ | SR | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 1 | 3 | 39.67 | 3.10 | 76.67 | 3/78 |
| ODI | 2 | 3 | 47.67 | 7.15 | 40.00 | 2/70 |
| T20I | 4 | 7 | 17.43 | 7.63 | 13.71 | 3/30 |
| IPL | 63 | 67 | 30.12 | 8.94 | 20.22 | 4/19 |
T. Natarajan’s Net Worth And Salary
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is ₹30 crore (approximately USD 3.6 million).
Income Sources:
- IPL Salary (Delhi Capitals 2025): ₹4 crore per season
- BCCI Match Fee: ₹6 lakh (ODI), ₹3 lakh (T20I), ₹15 lakh (Test) per match
- Brand Endorsements: Puma, SG and local Tamil Nadu brands
- TNPL and Domestic Cricket: ₹1.5-2 lakh per match
Natarajan has also invested in real estate in Salem and Chennai and runs a cricket academy for underprivileged children. Even though he has come this far, he still knows that gratitude is essential and that is why he gives back to the game that changed his life.
T. Natarajan’s Wife And Family
T. Natarajan is married to his long-time partner Pavitra from Salem. The couple has a daughter named Hanvika, born in 2020. His family has been a pillar of support throughout his career.
While Natarajan was playing for India in Australia, he remembered the birth of his daughter. This is the reason why he got emotional when he saw her for the first time when he returned.
Notable Achievements And Records
- First Indian cricketer to debut in all three formats on a single tour
- Youngest Indian to take 3 wickets on T20I debut
- Bowled 60+ yorkers in IPL 2020, the most by any bowler that season
- Part of India’s historic 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win
- Won “Emerging Player of the Year” (SRH, 2021)
Conclusion
T. Natarajan’s story is more than cricket as it is a story of resilience, humility and determination. From the dirt roads of IPL and international cricket to the stadiums, he has overcome all odds to become a symbol of hope for countless youngsters.
His journey proves that talent can come from anywhere, and with hard work, even the impossible can be made possible. As Natarajan continues to represent India and Delhi Capitals, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his story.
Read More: Prithvi Shaw Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
FAQs
Q1. Who is T. Natarajan?
T. Natarajan is an Indian left-arm fast-medium bowler from Salem, Tamil Nadu. He represents Delhi Capitals in the IPL and is known for his inspiring journey from poverty to cricketing fame.
Q2. What was T. Natarajan’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Natarajan’s estimated net worth is around ₹30 crore. His income comes from IPL contracts, BCCI match fees and brand endorsements.
Q3. Who is T. Natarajan’s wife?
T. Natarajan is married to Pavitra, and the couple has a daughter named Hanvika. His family has played a major role in his success story.
Q4. What are T. Natarajan’s best IPL bowling figures?
His best IPL bowling figures are 4/19, which came while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. As of IPL 2025, he has taken 67 wickets in 63 matches.
Q5. How did T. Natarajan start his cricketing career?
Natarajan started playing tennis-ball cricket in Salem, before a division player helped him move to Chennai. His performances in TNPL and domestic cricket earned him an IPL contract and, eventually, a call-up to Team India.
