Thangarasu Natarajan accompanied the India squad to Australia as an additional bowler but ended up playing in all three formats, a rare feat.

The left-arm pacer, however, admitted feeling a bit of pressure before his maiden international game — the third and final ODI in Canberra.

“I honestly didn’t expect to get an opportunity in the ODIs. When I was told that I would be playing, there was a bit of pressure.

“Nonetheless, I wanted to make use of that opportunity. And then playing and taking a wicket was like a dream,” Natarajan said during a media conference on Sunday.

Natarajan thanked his teammates and the support staff for calming his nerves and motivating him.

“I got a lot of support from the coaches and the rest of the players, all of whom supported and motivated me a lot. I was able to perform well because of their backing.”

Speaking of coaches, Washington Sundar, Natarajan’s fellow Test debutant in the Brisbane match, wants to emulate India head coach Ravi Shastri and open batting in Test cricket in the future.

“I think it will be a blessing for me if I ever get an opportunity to open the batting for India in Tests. I think I will accept the challenge just like Ravi sir did during his playing days,” he said.