Playing for India was a dream come true: Natarajan

Salem: Left arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan, who created history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to make his debut in all the three formats in the recent series in Australia, today said representing the country was a dream come true as he never expected to get an opportunity.

Talking to reporters at his native Chinnappampatti village in this district, Natarajan, who was taken to Australia as one of the net bowlers and made his debut in the third ODI at Canberra, said he was under pressure in his first match in India colours.

He said his experience in playing the Indian Premier Leaguewas very helpful in Australia.

Stating that he did not expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs, the 27-year-old bowler said when he was told that he would be debuting in Canberra he was under pressure.

“I wanted to make use of the opportunity. Playing for the country and taking a wicket was a dream come true.

“I cannot express my happiness in words about playing for India...It was like a dream. I got a lot of support from the coaches, players. They supported and motivated me a lot. I was able to perform well because of their backing,” he said.

Natarajan said he enjoyed playing under the captaincy of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane and said they both supported and encouraged him a lot.

“(Virat) Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane handled me very well and encouraged me a lot. I enjoyed playing under both of them,” he added. (UNI)