t natarajan in srh p11

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

It hasn't been the best of starts for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2021. While it is still early days in the competition, the David Warner-led side has got off to their worst start in the tournament, losing their first three matches for the first time. In a bid to turn around their fortunes, SRH made four changes to their XI against Mumbai Indians. However, a big name that was missing from their team list was that of the left arm speedster T Natajaran leading to all sorts of speculations regarding his fitness.

Natarajan had a niggle on left knee, clarifies VVS Laxman

Post the match, SRH mentor VVS Laxman has clarified that Natajaran, in fact, had a sore knee and a niggle on the left knee which ruled him out of the match against MI. Laxman added that the team will continue to monitor his condition and his selection in the coming matches will depend on his fitness conditions. Earlier, Team Director Tom Moody had also said that Nattu wasn't dropped but rested as he was coming on the back of a packed international season.

Khaleel Ahmed replaced Natarajan in the XI

In Natarajan's absence, it was Khaleel Ahmed who took the field for the Orange Army on Saturday. In his four-over quota, Khaleel not only picked a wicket but conceded just 24 runs in what was a good outing for the bowlers. However, their batsmen bottled up under pressure and could not get them over the line yet again as they lost by 13 runs.