Arjun Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar Sara Tendulkar. Image Credits: AFP/X
Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary Indian veteran Sachin Tendulkar, made his IPL 2026 debut for the Lucknow Super Giants on May 23.
Arjun, who had been with the Mumbai Indians camp since 2023, was picked up by LSG after being released by MI following two seasons with the franchise.
Arjun Tendulkar Gets His First Opportunity With LSG
After going unsold in IPL 2025, LSG signed him and handed him his first opportunity this season in a dead-rubber match against Punjab Kings.
It was Arjun's first match of the season and his first IPL appearance in two years, as he finished with figures of 1/36 after bowling his full quota of four overs.
Arjun’s Crucial Wicket Proves His Worth?
The left-arm pacer got his chance against a team fighting for playoff qualification, and Punjab Kings eventually secured a comfortable win thanks to a commanding knock from skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Nevertheless, it was a memorable night for Arjun Tendulkar, considering he had been overlooked for a long period. Since beginning his IPL journey in 2023, he has played only six matches, managing to take four wickets at an economy rate of 9.27.
Although his Ranji Trophy performances were noteworthy, where he scalped 15 wickets in 10 innings, he mostly remained in the nets for LSG, with the management seemingly reluctant to trust him with regular bowling duties.
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Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar Heap Praise For Home Boy
However, Sachin Tendulkar was proud of the crucial wicket his son claimed, that of Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh.
Even though the match eventually tilted in Punjab's favour under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Arjun's first wicket of IPL 2026 became a special moment as Sachin praised his son on his official social media handle.
Sachin expressed how Arjun Tendulkar had stayed patient, worked hard quietly, and remained positive to prove himself when it mattered most.
“Well done, Arjun. Proud of the way you’ve carried yourself through this season, always believing in your ability, staying patient, working hard quietly, and remaining positive despite having to wait for your opportunity till the very last match.
Cricket tests patience as much as skill, and you handled both beautifully today. Keep your feet on the ground, and continue being in love with the game like you always have. Love you always,” Sachin wrote.
Adding to the praise, Arjun Tendulkar's sister, Sara Tendulkar, also took to Instagram to applaud her brother. Posting an image of Arjun celebrating, Sara wrote a heartfelt caption dedicated to him.
“You deserve the world, my little brother. So so so proud of your hard work, your ability to handle pressure, and your patience through it all. Love you forever and always (and some more)” Sara wrote.
The post quickly crossed 1.2 million likes within 10 hours, with fans and followers flooding the comments section to celebrate Arjun's achievement.
Conclusion: An Uncut Gem In The Works?
Indeed, God helps those who help themselves. Arjun Tendulkar has been overlooked for a long time in the IPL despite showing promise with the ball.
During his initial stint with Mumbai Indians, he picked up three wickets in four appearances and also boasts an impressive record of 52 wickets in First-Class cricket. Yet, opportunities at the highest level have remained limited.
Even Lucknow Super Giants, considered comparatively less dominant than some of the IPL giants, failed to properly invest in his development or provide him with a consistent role to work on his strengths and weaknesses.
One match does not define a player, and Arjun, known for his patience and work ethic, has quietly continued delivering results whenever given the chance.
His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy further highlight his potential. Arjun scalped eight wickets in five matches while maintaining a respectable economy rate of 7.78, proving his ability to contribute effectively in the shortest format.
Whether he earns another IPL opportunity in 2027 remains uncertain, but Arjun Tendulkar still appears to be an uncut gem waiting for the right stage and backing to truly showcase his potential.
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