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After Collarbone Layoff, T. Natarajan Lifts Delhi’s Death-Overs Attack

Targeted drills and a switch to seam-up yorkers fueled his strong start to IPL 2026.

Overview

  • In the opening matches of IPL 2026, the left-arm quick has four wickets in three games at an economy near 7.9 and has taken charge of Delhi Capitals’ death overs, the final overs when run control is hardest.
  • Following a 2025 collarbone fracture, he rebuilt fitness and rhythm through camps in Delhi, Surat, Hyderabad and Dubai, where he trained with the Dubai Capitals group.
  • He honed his yorker, a full-length ball at the base of the stumps, by drilling with tennis balls, weighted balls and the red ball to sharpen control.
  • Guided by advice from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he moved from cross-seam to seam-up yorkers, which he says now dip late and have boosted his confidence under pressure.
  • Delhi retained him for Rs 10.75 crore despite doubts, and he says the injury still lingers in his mind even as he embraces a defined role at the end of innings.