CRICKET
IPL nuggets: Arjun Tendulkar epic comeback against nepotism claims
Arjun Tendulkar has been the butt of ridicule in the past.
Cricket fans have claimed that he owed his place in Mumbai Indians not to his talent, but thanks to his illustrious father.
Yesterday, Arjun answered his critics in the best way possible – on the field.
“Many mocked him for nepotism but tonight he has shown his spot is well earned Congrats Arjun. @sachin_rt
“you must be so proud #Arjuntendulkar #SRHvsMI #TATAIPL2023,” Preity Zinta, Bollywood actor and co-owner of Punjab Kings, wrote in a tweet.
Arjun kept his calm in a tense situation on Tuesday as Mumbai Indians defeated SunRisers Hyderabad by 14 runs on Wednesday.
Arjun made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.
On Tuesday with eight-down SRH needing 20 off the final over, the 23-year-old Arjun kept his cool as he bowled couple of good yorkers and also took the wicket of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
After the match, Arjun’s maiden wicket was lauded by several former cricketers and celebrities.
“Arjun Tendulkar today grew in stature. Justified captain’s trust by bowling tight final over, held his nerves, took his first IPL wicket. Congrats Paaji, here’s wishing a long successful career for Arjun. @sachin_rt #Arjun,” Mohammad Kaif tweeted.
“So happy to see Arjun doing well. @sachin_rt paaji must be a proud father. Arjun’s hard work paying off and my blessings that this is only the beginning of great things to come. Well done Arjun! #SRHvsMI,” Virender Sehwag tweeted.
After taking his first wicket, Arjun talked about his father, Sachin’s inputs on his game.
“Obviously it was great getting my first IPL wicket. I just had to focus on what was in hand, the plan and executing it.”
“Our plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play, make the batsman hit it to the longer side.” he said.
“I love bowling, I am happy to bowl anytime the captain asks me to and just stick to the team plan and give my best.”
“We (Sachin Tendulkar and him) talk about cricket, we discuss tactics before the game and he tells me to back what I practise every game. I just focused on my release, bowling good lengths and lines upfront. If it swings, it’s a bonus, if it doesn’t, so be it.”
This coming of age of Arjun Tendulkar is great news for Mumbai Indians, who need their bowlers to step up.