IPL 2021: 3 Players who can replace T Natarajan in Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have been one of the most consistent teams in the history of the IPL. Almost every year, they have managed to reach the playoffs. This is mainly because of an inspirational captain in the form of David Warner. Adding on, they have a plethora of talent in their squad that provides Warner with a variety of options.
Last year, the Sunrisers managed to reach the playoffs. As they finished third, it looked like they had found their perfect combination available. Now, during the fourteenth edition of the IPL, they have been affected by the unfortunate injury of T Natarajan, their go-to bowler during the death overs. This is a huge blow for the team as it now lacks a premier fast bowler.
Apart from his regular Indian bowlers, David Warner will be looking for other options from the unsold list as well. He needs someone who can bowl at the death, or bowl at the initial stage of the innings. Mixing up the deliveries is the key to survive in a tournament like the IPL. Hence, they will be on the hunt to find the perfect replacement if required. Here are the best options that can replace T Natarajan in SRH
3. Ankit Rajpoot
Ankit Rajpoot is just like a typical fast bowler, he hits the deck hard. But, unfortunately, he has been unable to perform well in the toughest league of the format. In 2016, he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders and he represented the franchise for two years. But, irregularities in his appearances hampered his form.
In 2016, Rajpoot picked up 3 wickets. Later on, in 2017, he picked four wickets for the Knight Riders. After his time with the Kolkata-based franchise, he was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab in 2018. During that year, he picked 11 wickets for his team. However, his performances took a sharp U-turn as he was an expensive bowler.
Last year, he picked up just two wickets. An expensive economy rate of 11.70 meant that he was unsold in this year’s IPL auction. With just 24 wickets in his IPL career, Rajpoot needs to work under a franchise that provides him with enough chances to redeem himself. And a team like SRH could provide him with that platform.
2. Varun Aaron
Varun Aaron is another Indian pacer who was unable to retain his place in India’s limited-overs squad. He can bowl at an express pace, but his line and length paved the way for his downfall. Even after being an experienced campaigner, he got no bidders in this year’s auction. Maybe, the void created by Natarajan’s injury might open the doors for Aaron.
Aaron has been in the IPL circuit since 2011. In this tournament, he has an expensive economy rate of 8.89 and with just 42 wickets in his IPL career, Aaron needs to find consistency in his bowling. And working under a superb support staff of SRH will help him to redeem himself.
During the last decade, Aaron was the frontline pacer in Virat Kohli’s team. He went to Australia for the Test series. But, later on, the emergence of other consistent performers meant that Aaron was sidelined. A tournament like IPL will give him the perfect opportunity to impress the selectors.
1. Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande was a part of the Delhi Capitals squad that reached the finals of the Indian Premier League in 2020. He was inconsistent and as a result, he was unsold in the 2021 auctions. But, the injury to Natarajan might give Tushar a chance to become a part of the SRH franchise.
Last year, Tushar was not impressive by any means. He had a bowling average of 64.00, and he bowled at an economy rate of 11.29. Even though his first season was a forgetful one, he might get back on track under good leadership. If Warner and SRH management decide to pick him up, it will provide Tushar with another chance to showcase his talents. Therefore, he is the best option available to SRH management.
