As the Indian Premier League’s 2024 season progresses, the competition for the prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, is heating up. Currently, T Natarajan, the left-arm fast bowler from Sunrisers Hyderabad, leads the pack in this coveted race. Known for his unwavering precision with yorkers, Natarajan has translated his skills from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) to the grand stage of the IPL with incredible success.
This spirited bowler was snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2018 mega auction at a relatively modest price of Rs 40 lakhs. Despite his humble beginnings in the IPL, Natarajan soon became an integral part of the Sunrisers’ bowling attack, particularly known for his efficiency in the death overs. The management’s faith in his abilities saw the franchise reacquiring him for a hefty sum of INR 4 crore at the mega auction before the 2022 season.
Throughout the current season, Natarajan has shown exceptional form, making critical breakthroughs for his team. With 15 wickets in just eight matches, he boasts a remarkable economy rate of 8.96, an impressive feat in the T20 format where batsmen typically go on the offensive. His season’s performances have been nothing short of spectacular, instantly recognizable with a standout four-for against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium—a performance that had the fans and pundits sit up and take notice.
In a high-stakes match against the Rajasthan Royals on May 3, the 33-year-old pacer proved pivotal for the Sunrisers once again, claiming the key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was set on 67 runs off 40 balls, and the explosive Shimron Hetmyer. These dismissals were instrumental in curbing the Royals’ charge and ensuring a favorable outcome for the Hyderabad outfit.
With this two-wicket haul, Natarajan propelled himself to the top of the Purple Cap leaderboard, nudging ahead of Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who sits just one wicket behind with 14 to his name. As the league phase moves forward, and with Sunrisers Hyderabad solidifying their position as potential playoff contenders, Natarajan’s prospects of sealing the Purple Cap seem more plausible than ever.
Natarajan’s journey to the summit of the leaderboard is a testament to his skill and perseverance. Having emerged from the TNPL, he has taken each opportunity in the IPL to prove his mettle. His ability to consistently execute the yorker, arguably the most challenging delivery in a fast bowler’s repertoire, has been central to his success. The yorker’s effectiveness in the death overs cannot be overstated, and this has certainly worked to Natarajan’s advantage, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the final stages of an innings.
The Sunrisers’ strategic move to prioritize their death bowling has also allowed Natarajan to flourish in a role that enriches his natural talents. Moreover, his economy rate reflects not just his wicket-taking capabilities but also his ability to restrict run flow—a critical component in the shortest format of the game.
Looking at the remainder of the season, Natarajan’s continued form will be crucial for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s ambitions. Not only does he bolster their bowling attack, but his leadership with the ball also inspires younger bowlers within the squad. For the fans, the intrigue of the Purple Cap race adds another fascinating narrative to follow as the IPL season unfolds.
As it stands, Natarajan’s climb to the top of the leaderboard is more than just about personal achievement; it’s a story of tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the IPL’s competitive spirit. With each delivery, he’s not only inching closer to individual glory but also inching Sunrisers Hyderabad closer to the ultimate prize—the IPL championship.
