Arjun Tendulkar, son of India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, is all set to begin a fresh campaign in the IPL for his new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. The Mumbai-born all-rounder, who made his IPL debut in 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders from the Mumbai Indians, was traded to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 30 lakhs last November ahead of the auction. In a recent interview, Arjun opened up about his stint with Mumbai.
Arjun was picked up at his base price of INR 20 lakh by the Mumbai Indians at the 2021 IPL auction, but was ruled out of the season owing to an injury. He was re-signed by the franchise the following year, but had to wait for an entire season to make his debut. He played four matches in the 2023 season, taking three wickets and impressing with his ability to swing the new ball.
Mumbai retained him for the next season, but he managed just one appearance in 2024, going wicketless in the two overs he bowled, conceding 22 runs
During an interview on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Arjun was asked about his limited opportunities at MI. And while there was slight frustration in not having playing more games for the five-time champions, he took it with a stride.
He replied, “Who doesn’t feel that? No one wants to sit on the bench. But we want to work hard and perform when we get a chance.”
Arjun will hope that his stint with the new franchise brings him more opportunities. LSG will open their campaign against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday at the Ekana Stadium at home.
The Mumbaikar also opened up about the much debate around the Impact Player rule, which has been criticised by most senior Indian players, including the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“Pick 11 and play. Because in international T20s, and in any other league, there is no Impact Player. So, I am personally against the Impact Player rule,” he said.
