Tamil Nadu Releases T Natarajan From Vijay Hazare Squad After BCCI's Request

Board of Control for Cricket In India(BCCI) and Indian team management has requested Tamil Nadu Cricket Association(TNCA) to release fast bowler T Natarajan from the squad of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. 

It is understood that the Indian team wants the left-arm fast bowler to remain fresh for the ongoing England tour of India in which squad for the last two tests and limited-overs series is yet to be picked. 

"That is what we have heard. We have not got a request in writing but we understand that the team management wants him to get ready by practicing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. The secretary is looking into it. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will take the right decision," Kasi Viswanathan of TNCA told. 

TNCA secretary S Ramasamy also verified the news and said "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management want him fresh. It is in the national interest and so we are ready to oblige."

"We had named a replacement should he be not available and that issue has been sorted out. We have released Natarajan." the TNCA official added. 

Natarajan made his debut in all formats in the recently concluded India's tour of Australia. He played one ODI, one Test, and three T20Is. 

Meanwhile, KL Rahul will be fully recovered by mid-February and will be available for selection from the third test onwards. The wicketkeeper-batsman was drafted in the team so that he remains in the bio-bubble with the Indian contingent. 

There are no updates on the fitness status of Hanuma Vihari, Mohammad Shami, and Umesh Yadav. They are unlikely to be part of the remaining test matches against England.