Kris Srikkanth Slams T Natarajan After SRH Trade

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has delivered a strong assessment of left-arm pacer T Natarajan following his trade from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. While Natarajan is returning to the franchise where he established himself as a reliable death-overs specialist, Srikkanth has questioned the decision, pointing to the fast bowler’s recent struggles with form and fitness.

Sunrisers Hyderabad completed the trade by sending leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari to Delhi Capitals in exchange for Natarajan. The move reunites the left-arm pacer with SRH, where he played between 2020 and 2024 and built a reputation for delivering accurate yorkers under pressure.

However, Natarajan’s recent performances have raised concerns about his effectiveness and availability. After joining Delhi Capitals, he managed just five wickets in 12 matches over the past two years, according to the supplied figures. With both franchises looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the next season, the trade has prompted debate about whether the experienced pacer can rediscover his best form.

Kris Srikkanth Questions T Natarajan’s Cricketing Schedule

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth criticised Natarajan’s limited involvement in domestic cricket and questioned why Sunrisers Hyderabad decided to bring him back despite the availability of younger pace options.

The former India opener suggested that Natarajan benefits financially from his IPL career while not playing regularly in the Ranji Trophy. He also pointed to the bowler’s declining performances over the previous two years as a reason to question SRH’s decision.

“It’s great for Natarajan because all he does is play cricket for 40 days a year. He doesn’t play in the Ranji Trophy, yet they pay him well in the IPL. Natarajan’s graph is slowly coming down over the last two years. I am not sure why SRH took him back with Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain already there.”

Srikkanth’s remarks highlight a broader concern about the role of established Indian players who primarily feature in franchise cricket. His criticism centres on Natarajan’s lack of regular domestic appearances, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, and whether his recent performances justify another opportunity with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

For Natarajan, the return to a familiar franchise presents an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. However, he will need to demonstrate that he can remain fit, deliver consistently and provide the kind of control that made him a valuable asset during his earlier stint with SRH.

T Natarajan’s Price Drops From ₹10.75 Crore to ₹5 Crore

Another significant aspect of the trade is the reduction in Natarajan’s reported price. Delhi Capitals had signed the left-arm pacer for ₹10.75 crore, but his value in the trade to Sunrisers Hyderabad has been reduced to ₹5 crore.

The change reflects the questions surrounding his recent performances and the need for franchises to assess the value of experienced players against their current form and fitness. Although Natarajan has struggled to make a major impact in recent seasons, his experience in the IPL remains an important part of his profile.

The left-arm pacer has featured in 73 IPL matches across 10 years. His experience in high-pressure situations, particularly during the closing overs of an innings, could still prove useful if he can return to consistent form.

Natarajan became well known for his ability to execute yorkers at the death, a skill that can make a significant difference in T20 cricket. However, maintaining accuracy under pressure requires rhythm, fitness and regular match practice. His challenge at SRH will be to show that he can once again perform that specialist role effectively.

Why Sunrisers Hyderabad Could Benefit From Natarajan’s Return

Despite Srikkanth’s reservations, Sunrisers Hyderabad may see value in bringing back a bowler who is already familiar with the franchise’s environment and expectations. Natarajan previously spent five seasons with SRH, giving the team experience of his strengths and understanding of the conditions in Hyderabad.

Specialist death bowlers can be particularly valuable in the IPL, where even a small loss of control in the final overs can change the outcome of a match. A bowler capable of consistently landing yorkers can restrict scoring opportunities against aggressive batters and offer captains an additional option in the closing stages.

However, Natarajan’s recent record means that his reputation alone may not be enough. SRH will need him to deliver on the field, particularly if the team expects him to compete for a regular place alongside younger fast bowlers such as Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain.

Srikkanth’s comments suggest that he believes SRH already have promising alternatives and could have used the opportunity to invest further in younger players. Whether Natarajan can justify the franchise’s decision will depend on his fitness, consistency and ability to rediscover the form that previously made him an effective death-overs option.

Kris Srikkanth Says Zeeshan Ansari’s Move to Delhi Capitals Is a Risk

Srikkanth also questioned Delhi Capitals’ decision to acquire leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari in the same trade. Although Ansari showed promise during his first IPL season, the former India captain believes the conditions at Delhi’s home ground could make life difficult for the young spinner.

Ansari did not feature in a match for Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2026. However, he impressed in his maiden IPL season the previous year, taking six wickets in 10 matches. Those performances demonstrated his potential, even though he did not receive an opportunity to build on that record in the following campaign.

Delhi Capitals will hope that Ansari can develop into a useful bowling option, but Srikkanth believes the relatively small boundaries at the team’s home venue could expose the leg-spinner to aggressive batting.

“Because of this move, SRH will probably let go of Unadkat and Harshal Patel. They’ll take two other youngsters and look into the future. But Zeeshan Ansari going to DC is not a good idea. It’s a small ground there, so he’ll get smashed there. Of course, Natarajan will also get smashed on the flat Hyderabad track unless he brings in those deadly yorkers,” said Srikkanth.

The comments underline the importance of adapting bowling strategies to different IPL venues. Spinners operating on grounds with shorter boundaries can come under pressure when batters attack from the outset, particularly if the bowler struggles to vary pace, length and trajectory.

Nevertheless, Ansari’s six wickets in 10 appearances during his debut season provide Delhi Capitals with a reason to explore his potential. His success will depend on how effectively he adjusts to the new environment and whether the team can deploy him in situations that suit his bowling style.

SRH Could Look to Refresh Their Bowling Attack

Srikkanth also predicted that Sunrisers Hyderabad could make further changes to their bowling personnel as they prepare for the next season. He suggested that the franchise might move on from experienced campaigners Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel while bringing in younger players to strengthen its long-term options.

Such a strategy would represent a shift towards building greater depth and investing in emerging talent. Although experienced bowlers can offer valuable knowledge and composure, franchises must continually assess whether their performances match their roles and financial commitments.

For SRH, the Natarajan trade therefore raises questions about how the team intends to balance experience with youth. His return could provide continuity, but the franchise may still need additional options capable of performing across different phases of an innings.

The presence of younger bowlers such as Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain could increase competition for places. That competition may benefit the squad if it encourages every bowler to maintain high standards, although Natarajan’s experience could remain an advantage if he produces consistent performances.

Contrasting IPL Campaigns for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals

The trade comes after contrasting outcomes for the two franchises in IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the playoffs but were eliminated by Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, failed to finish among the top four for a fifth consecutive season.

For SRH, the objective will be to build on their playoff appearance and strengthen the areas that prevented them from progressing further. Bringing back Natarajan could help address their need for experienced pace bowling, provided he returns to his best level.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will be looking for improvements after another campaign outside the playoff positions. The decision to acquire Ansari gives the franchise an opportunity to develop a young leg-spinner, but the move will ultimately be judged by his performances and contribution to the team’s results.

Both franchises therefore have reasons to view the trade as an opportunity, even though Srikkanth has raised concerns about the suitability of the players involved. The coming season will provide a clearer indication of whether SRH made the right call by bringing back Natarajan and whether Ansari can establish himself at Delhi Capitals.

Can T Natarajan Silence His Critics Ahead of IPL 2027?

Natarajan’s return to Sunrisers Hyderabad offers him a chance to respond to criticism and demonstrate that he remains capable of making a difference in the IPL. His experience across 73 matches and his previous success as a death-overs specialist give him a foundation to build on, but his recent record means that expectations will be closely tied to his performances.

Srikkanth’s criticism is particularly pointed because it questions both Natarajan’s recent cricketing output and the value SRH could gain from signing him. The former India captain has also highlighted the availability of younger pace options, raising the possibility that the franchise could have prioritised long-term development instead.

Ultimately, Natarajan’s ability to deliver accurate yorkers and maintain consistency under pressure will be central to his prospects. If he can regain his rhythm and contribute regularly, the trade could prove worthwhile for SRH. If his recent struggles continue, however, questions about the franchise’s decision are likely to persist.

For now, the move has created an intriguing storyline ahead of IPL 2027. Sunrisers Hyderabad have reunited with a familiar bowler, Delhi Capitals have acquired a promising young spinner, and Srikkanth has made his doubts clear. The performances of Natarajan and Ansari next season will determine whether the trade works out for either side.