IPL 2026 Trade: Delhi Capitals’ T. Natarajan Triggers DC-to-CSK Buzz After Training at CSK Academy

Dehli Capitals fast bowler T Natarajan was recently seen wearing a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey during a training session at the Super Kings Academy, which operates across various locations in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a great stage for young and raw talent to shine in front of international players.

Over the years, Natarajan has been one of those promising players having delivered consistent performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad before joining Delhi Capitals. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have built a strong reputation in the IPL known for grooming several skilled players who later went on to represent the Indian national team.

Natarajan started his IPL journey in 2017 with Punjab Kings, where he played six matches that season. He missed the 2018 and 2019 tournaments but later made a comeback with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He stayed with them for five seasons. Before the IPL 2025 mega auction, SRH let him go and he was then picked up by Delhi Capitals. He was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have set up many cricket academies to support both their own and other players. Recently, Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler T Natarajan was seen training at one of these CSK academies wearing a CSK jersey. The photo went viral on social media leading to rumours of a possible move especially with the trade window currently open. However, since Natarajan is from Tamil Nadu, he may have just chosen the CSK academy as a nearby training spot to get ready for the upcoming domestic season.

Natarajan training at Super Kings Academy 💛 pic.twitter.com/Sl07axgnRa

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 2, 2025

CSK Reportedly Interested in RR Skipper Sanju Samson

Earlier this Saturday, there were reports that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might be interested in signing another Delhi Capitals star, KL Rahul, during the trade window. Just a day before, the Times of India had also mentioned that Kolkata Knight Riders were looking to get him through a trade. A while back in June, similar rumours came up about CSK possibly targeting Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals as a future replacement for MS Dhoni. So far, none of these moves have been confirmed. With the mini-auction for IPL 2026 expected later this year, the trade window might officially open around then.

Delhi Capitals rebuilt their core team after releasing several big players, including former captain Rishabh Pant. They had a strong auction, picking up names like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Faf du Plessis and T Natarajan. Natarajan seen as a key bowler, surprisingly didn’t play a single match in the first half of the season, which raised many questions.

DC head coach Hemang Badani explained that Natarajan wasn’t dropped but was recovering from a fitness issue. Bought for a hefty ₹10.75 crore, his importance to the team was clear, but he managed to bowl only 18 balls all season due to injury.

"Why would we spend 11 crore on a player & bench him? We bought him specifically for the middle & end overs - Unfortunately, Natarajan wasn’t fully fit after returning from injury - remained injured throughout the season, that’s why he didn’t play,” DC head coach Hemang Badani said.

T. Natarajan’s IPL Bowling Stats (2017–2025) 

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