On May 5, 2025, T Natarajan finally donned the Delhi Capitals (DC) jersey for the first time, marking a significant personal milestone in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
T Natarajan makes long-awaited DC debut against former team SRH
Natarajan debuted in Delhi’s crucial 11th fixture against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), the franchise he represented for five seasons. Natarajan had been sidelined for the initial 10 matches, recovering from a shoulder injury and awaiting his turn amidst Delhi’s stable pace combination. Bought for a hefty ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 auction, expectations surrounding the Tamil Nadu seamer had been mounting. His return to competitive action was long-awaited and symbolic, coming full circle against his former team. It was a poignant comeback for Natarajan, as he faced SunRisers Hyderabad—a franchise he served loyally from 2020 to 2024, taking 65 wickets in 56 appearances.
A familiar rivalry and a high-stakes return
Delhi made the bold move to swap out Mukesh Kumar for Natarajan at a time when the team desperately needed to bounce back in the playoffs race. The decision was as tactical as it was emotional, with Natarajan’s inclusion reflecting both fitness regained and faith restored. Having missed the 2024-25 domestic season due to injury, his match readiness was under scrutiny. DC’s Director of Cricket, Kevin Pietersen, hinted earlier that selection would hinge strictly on team dynamics. While Natarajan finally earned his cap, explosive finisher Ashutosh Sharma was benched as an Impact Sub. With Delhi now clinging to fifth place after a mid-season slump, the next four matches could define their campaign—and Natarajan’s impact could prove pivotal.
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Sunrisers rang in key changes to their line-up ahead of their IPL 2025 face-off against Delhi. The Orange Army made a strategic call to drop Kamindu Mendis and young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. In their place, hard-hitting middle-order batter Abhinav Manohar and experienced campaigner Sachin Baby were drafted into the starting XI. Pacer Mohammed Shami, a mainstay in the bowling unit, was moved to the impact substitutes list for the encounter. SRH skipper opted to bowl first, signaling a calculated shift in match-day dynamics.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Wreathed in red & blue and ready to 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐑❤️🔥
Go well, Nattu 🔥
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 5, 2025
Finally natarajan is back 🥹🥹♥️♥️
— Nikhil_Prince🚲 (@Nikhil_Prince01) May 5, 2025
Happy for T Natarajan. He has the skill & talent to be in the playing XI, not on the bench. Go well. 🤞✨
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) May 5, 2025
Pleased for T Natarajan. He does simple things right. And he has an underrated short ball – Hyperextension.
Of course, he has been out for a while, so he might take a game or two to find his rhythm.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) May 5, 2025
Finally T Natarajan featured in the playing Xi for DC
— Manjit 𝕏 (@CricManjit) May 5, 2025
Glad you included T Natarajan – @DelhiCapitals. All the best. #DCvsSRH pic.twitter.com/8FaeXDw6sh
— Ummrit (@ummrit) May 5, 2025
NATARAJAN IS BACK FELLASSSSSSSS 🥳🥳🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
— Salt (@Bittuu_tweets) May 5, 2025
Finally T Natarajan makes DC debut!
Good choice. Hopefully it augurs well for Delhi Capitals #SRHvsDC
— Saurabh Srivastava (@Saurv99) May 5, 2025
Wow,It needed Hyderabad to get Natarajan playing this season ! Happy for him.
— Ramteja Bvv (@ram45tej) May 5, 2025
Natarajan in place of Mukesh Kumar. Much needed for DC.
— Deepak Kumar Panda (@Deepsdkp) May 5, 2025
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