T. Natarajan

Position: Bowler

In the IPL 2025, Thangarasu Natarajan, affectionately referred to as "Nattu," has become a crucial member of the Delhi Capitals (DC). Natarajan is a left-arm medium-fast bowler who has a remarkable talent for hitting accurate yorkers. His rise from a small Tamil Nadu hamlet to the IPL spotlight is just as remarkable as his present play. An extensive, current biography of his life, family, and pivotal role this season may be found here.

T. Natarajan

Early Life & Family Background

Natarajan was born on April 4, 1991, in the small Tamil Nadu village of Chinnappampatti, close to Salem. He came from a lowly background. His dad, S. In order to provide for their family of five—Natarajan being the oldest, with a brother and three sisters—Thangarasu worked on a power loom, and his mother operated a roadside snack stand. He played tennis-ball cricket a lot while growing up in a humble household until a generous mentor saw his talent and assisted him in relocating to Chennai to play real cricket.

Physical Profile & Cricketing Journey

Natarajan has a slender, athletic body that is ideal for quick bowling. He is 175 cm (5′ 9′′) and weighs approximately 66 kg. He has black hair and eyes. In January 2015, he made his first-class cricket debut for Tamil Nadu. He then made his T20 and List-A debuts in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Before advancing through domestic circuits like the TNPL (with Dindigul Dragons) and clubs like Jolly Rovers, he had action correction early in his career.

International Career Highlights

As the first Indian to make their debut in all three forms (ODI on December 2, 2020, T20I two days later, and Test debut on January 15, 2021), Natarajan created history during India's 2020–21 tour to Australia. He produced reliable performances, notably a memorable 3/30 on his T20I debut, and was well-known for his yorkers and cutters.

IPL Journey & This Season’s Impact

He made his IPL debut in 2017 with Kings XI Punjab, and from 2018 to 2024, he was a sensation with Sunrisers Hyderabad. His value was highlighted when Delhi Capitals bought him for an incredible ₹10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Natarajan has played a crucial role in supporting DC's bowling attack this season, particularly with his brilliant death-over performances, crucial wickets, and ability to keep pressure with flawless yorkers. His background enhances DC's pace battery, and he is regularly spotted coaching younger bowlers and helping with field setups.

Role in Delhi Capitals

As DC's top death-over specialist, Natarajan performs well under duress and is frequently relied upon in crucial situations because of his composed demeanor and tactical sense. Despite not being a formal mentor, he has unavoidably assumed a leading position within the team, influencing the game plans of the pace department and maintaining cool in crucial times.

Personal Life: Wife, Children & Privacy

Since June 2018, he has been married to his schoolmate Pavithra; the two welcomed their kid in November 2020. Natarajan has not revealed that he has a son in public. To keep his attention on his work, he shares few glimpses of his family life and maintains his personal life private.

Siblings & Support System

Having three sisters and a brother, Natarajan has always been acutely conscious of his familial obligations. He was driven to succeed because, as the oldest child, he placed a high value on both performance and providing for his parents and siblings.

A Legacy of Resilience

From rural tennis-ball fields to his international debut and his development into an IPL 2025 death-over specialist, Natarajan's journey is a testament to unyielding dedication. He overcame early professional obstacles like questionable bowling action and challenging domestic leagues to become the star of the show. His three five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket highlight his versatility.

Also Read: Mohit Sharma


Frequently Asked Questions

T. Natarajan, also known as "Nattu," is a left-arm medium-fast bowler from Tamil Nadu who plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Known for his deadly yorkers, he rose from humble beginnings to become a vital death-over specialist.

He hails from Chinnappampatti, a small village near Salem in Tamil Nadu, where he grew up in a modest family with limited resources.

He started playing tennis-ball cricket in his village before being spotted by a mentor who helped him move to Chennai and pursue professional cricket. He debuted in first-class cricket in 2015 for Tamil Nadu.

Natarajan is best known for his pinpoint yorkers, sharp cutters, and composure under pressure, especially in death overs. These skills make him a key bowler in T20 formats.

In IPL 2025, Natarajan has been exceptional for DC, regularly delivering in the death overs, picking crucial wickets, and mentoring younger bowlers in the squad.

He serves as DC’s premier death-over specialist and an informal mentor, helping set bowling strategies and mentoring emerging pacers in the team.

He is the eldest of five siblings and was born to parents S. Thangarasu and his mother, who sold snacks. He is married to Pavithra and they have a child together.

Yes, he made history during the 2020–21 Australia tour by debuting in all three formats—ODI, T20I, and Test—becoming the first Indian to achieve this on a single tour.

Natarajan overcame early struggles including financial hardship, a suspect bowling action, and intense competition in domestic cricket to rise to international prominence.

T. Natarajan is known for maintaining a low profile regarding his personal life. He prioritizes his cricketing focus and keeps family matters private, although he shares a strong bond with his wife and child.