Arjun Tendulkar became the last player to get sold on the IPL 2021 auction when Mumbai Indians snared him for a base price of ₹20 lakh. The Tendulkar family was beaming with joy and Arjun’s sister Sara Tendulkar had a heartwarming message for his brother.
Son of the legend Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun registered for the auction after making his List A debut playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As expected Mumbai Indians were the sole bidder for the young all-rounder. The 21-year-old has spotted with the Mumbai squad couple of times as their net and even traveled to the UAE during IPL 2020.
Reacting to his brother bagging an IPL deal, Sara Tendulkar seemed ecstatic. She took to Instagram to express her feelings and lauded Arjun Tendulkar for his hard work and dedication.
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“Nobody can take this achievement away from you. It is yours,” Sara Tendulkar wrote in her Instagram story.
Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: List Of Players Who Went Unsold
Zaheer Khan, Mahela Jayawardene react to signing Arjun Tendulkar
Meanwhile, speaking about picking Arjun Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that the youngster was picked based on his skills. The former Sri Lankan cricketer also said that though there will be pressure of surname on Arjun, his father would be proud of him and that he will evolve as a cricketer as time passes.
“We’ve looked at it purely on a skill basis. I mean, there is going to be a big tag on his head because of Sachin. But, luckily, he’s a bowler, not a batsman. So I think Sachin will be very proud if he could bowl like Arjun,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying.
“I think it’s going to be a learning process for Arjun. He just started playing for Mumbai, and now the franchise. He will learn the ropes; he will evolve. He’s still young. A very focused young man. We have to give him time and hopefully not put a lot of pressure on him either. Just let him evolve and work his way up, and that’s what we’re there to help him to do,” he stated.
Also Read: Aakash Chopra Explains Why Mumbai Indians Bought Arjun Tendulkar
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians director of cricket operations – Zaheer Khan admitted that staying with the Mumbai Indians franchise will do a world of good to young Arjun Tendulkar.
“He was part of this squad when we went to Abu Dhabi last IPL. So he has spent enough time with us,” Zaheer stated.