WHAT ARJUN DOES AT HIGHEST LEVEL IS IN HIS HANDS: ZAHEER
MUMBAI: As soon as Arjun Tendulkar’s name popped up, the camera cut to the Mumbai Indians’ table. As expected, Zaheer Khan, without any hesitation put his hand up to bring the junior Tendulkar to their roster at his base price of ₹20 lakh.
Arjun, 21, was the last player to be auctioned. It makes the Tendulkars the first father-son duo to be part of the IPL. Sachin played for MI for six seasons and after that moved into a mentor role for the five-time champions and is now an icon for the franchise.
The left-arm pacer made his debut for Mumbai during last month’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He figured in two matches during the tournament, picking a single wicket in each match.
Zaheer, MI’S director of cricket operations, admitted that the added pressure of his father’s name will be there on Arjun, and the onus is on him to make the most of the opportunity. “The added pressure of the name Sachin Tendulkar is always going to be there on him and something which he will have to live with but we are very hopeful that the environment which we have around the team is definitely going to help him. (In the end) He is just a youngster coming in the side. He has to prove himself, has to show all the coaching staff and the thinktank of the team that he got the goods to belong there. So, what he does at the highest level is in his hands,” said Zaheer.
MI owner Akash Ambani felt that his progress should be like any other cricketer. “It’s very important that his progression happens as any other young cricketer’s. Fortunately, at MI we help individuals reach their potential. It’s all on their hardwork but we believe that we have the environment to do that. Hopefully, we can see Arjun reach his potential in coming years,” said Ambani.