In a nail-biting finish, the Delhi Capitals narrowly lost to the Gujarat Titans by just one run in the Indian Premier League 2026, with a target of 211 runs. T. Natarajan, who has been a key player for the Capitals, acknowledged the emotional toll of the close defeat, stating, “Of course, the team feels emotional after a close loss, but this is a long tournament and we are only a few matches in.”
Natarajan’s performance this season has been noteworthy, having taken four wickets at an average of 21.75 across three matches. He has also showcased his skills by bowling six yorkers, a testament to his recovery from a collarbone injury that plagued him during the previous season. “Last year, my collarbone was broken, not many people know it,” he revealed, highlighting the challenges he faced.
Having been bought for INR 10.75 crore in the 2024 mega auction, Natarajan’s journey has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Despite not being fully fit for most of the IPL 2025 season, he has made a strong comeback this year, thanks in part to the support from the Delhi Capitals’ management. “The DC team management has taken care of me in the last one year,” he said, expressing gratitude for their assistance.
The Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit, which includes both world-class spinners and quality pacers, has relied heavily on Natarajan’s expertise. His economy rate of 7.9 further underscores his effectiveness in the current season.
As the tournament progresses, observers are keen to see how Natarajan continues to perform and whether he can maintain his form. With the IPL still in its early stages, the team will be looking to bounce back from this setback and capitalize on their strengths.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Natarajan’s performance evolves, especially as he aims to solidify his role within the team. The Delhi Capitals will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to turn their fortunes around in the league.
