'Want to come back as old Natarajan'

New Delhi: India left-arm pacer T Natarajan aims to bounce back as 'Old Natarajan' after missing most of the 2021 season due to injury and Covid-19.

Natarajan's knee injury flared up during the first leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. When he was ready to return for the UAE leg, he tested positive for Covid.

"I have done well in the IPL and for India before, so people will expect strong performances from me. Once I play one or two matches, I will hit my rhythm and will be more clear with my plans. I'm feeling refreshed now and just want to keep doing whatever has worked for me in the past focusing on my yorkers and cutters. I want to come back as the old Natarajan," he told ESPNcricinfo.

"IPL, another T20 World Cup, there are talks about 2022 being a big year, but I just want to focus on my strengths and keep working hard. If I do that, the rest of the things will fall in place. I'm coming back after a long break, so (nervousness will be there). I'll be lying if I say I'm not nervous," he added.

The pacer sustained an injury during the tour of Australia early in 2021. As a result he was ruled out of the first leg of IPL. He was a part of the Tamil Nadu side that successfully defended the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title in 2021 but missed the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy in December following his knee issues. (UNI)