Fast bowler T Natarajan, who travelled to Australia as a net bowler, made his debut in all three formats, becoming the first Indian player to achieve the feat on the same tour. In Natarajan's own words, the last few months were a "surreal" experience for him as he achieved his dream of representing India in Test cricket. Natarajan on Sunday took to Twitter to share a picture of him visiting a temple. "Feeling blessed," he captioned the picture.
After India lost the ODI series facing defeat in the first two matches, Natarajan was handed his international debut in the third ODI against Australia. The left-arm fast bowler impressed on his debut, returning with figures of 2/70 from his 10 overs.
He was immediately handed his T20I debut, and he emerged as one of the standout performers for the side in the three-match series, picking up six wickets, at an impressive economy of less than seven runs an over.
After his impressive outings in white-ball cricket, Natarajan had to wait for his chance in the longest format, but he eventually got his opportunity when injuries ruled several front-line bowlers out of the series-deciding Test match in Brisbane.
Carrying on his limited-overs form, Natarajan bowled brilliantly and picked up three wickets for 78 runs in the first innings. He went wicketless in the second innings but kept things tight from his end.
Natarajan received a grand welcome after returning home from Australia.
Natarajan is not part of the India's Test squad for the first two Tests against England as senior bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah returned after injuries.