Being the son of a cricket icon is challenging, but Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun is quietly making his mark with the ball.
The 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler made his IPL debut last month for his dad’s former team Mumbai Indians and posted 0-17.
By the time his dad was the same age, he was captain of India, had 10 Test hundreds (his first at 17), and was approaching god-like status at home.
When Sachin retired in 2013, there was a national sorrow.
Another Tendulkar in Indian colors excites the media and fans.
Arjun still has to establish he can play consistently in the IPL, much alone for his nation.
Expectations are high with his father.
“Just being a Tendulkar will turn the spotlight on you,” renowned cricket journalist Ayaz Memon told AFP.
That brings a world of pressure you can’t escape.
That’s young Arjun’s life. Expectations rise and scrutiny intensifies.”
Arjun was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2021, but he made his debut in a crowded, euphoric home encounter versus Kolkata.
Former West Indies cricketer and broadcaster Ian Bishop said Sachin cried when Rohit Sharma instructed him to bowl.
Arjun shined in the following game.
He grabbed his maiden wicket and defended 20 runs in the last over, surpassing his father’s IPL career. That showed his nerve and skill.
“And finally a Tendulkar has an IPL wicket!” tweeted a concerned Sachin after his son’s last-over heroics.
WORKING ON PACE
The enthusiasm faded when he was pounded for 31 runs in an over in Mumbai’s following encounter, prompting nepotism charges on social media.
Arjun got one more wicket before getting benched.
Rohit stated the choice was challenging but was more about picking a team for the circumstances than Arjun’s performance.
So how good is he?
In 2021, the teenager made his T20 debut for a local squad in Mumbai, but he failed to earn a spot.
In pursuit of regular activity, he moved to Goa and played seven first-class matches for them.
Arjun can whip the ball off the pitch but has a top speed of 130 kph (80 mph). The fastest bowlers are 145-160 kph.
Shane Bond, Mumbai bowling coach, stated “we will work on increasing his pace”.
Recently, Arjun said he and his renowned father “talk a lot about cricket”.
“We discuss strategies,” he remarked.
“I concentrated on my release and lengths.” Bonus if it swings. It’s okay if it doesn’t.”