IPL 2021 Auction: ‘We’ve looked at it purely on a skill basis’ – Mahela Jayawardene on Mumbai Indians’ bid of Arjun Tendulkar

IPL 2021 Auction: ‘We’ve looked at it purely on a skill basis’ – Mahela Jayawardene on Mumbai Indians’ bid of Arjun Tendulkar

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Arjun Tendulkar

While many big names went under the hammer yesterday, Arjun Tendulkar was the name that hogged the spotlight. As expected the young quick was picked by the Mumbai Indians. Being the son of the great Sachin Tendulkar, it is hard for the left-arm quick to stay out of the limelight. Following the auction, fans took to social media to cite nepotism as the reason for the Indians picking Arjun.

Clarifying any doubts, MI coach Mahela Jayawardene shares that his selection was based on the skills he brings to the table. Jayawardene adds that it will be a great learning curve for Arjun, who has just entered the domestic scene. The Sri Lankan great admits that Tendulkar’s fame will bring humongous pressure. But that is something he will have to deal with as he works his way up the ladder.

“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,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Jayawardene 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,” he further said. “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.“

Zaheer Khan praises Arjun Tendulkar

Zaheer Khan

Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan heaped praises on the rookie pacer. Zaheer shares that Arjun has a knack for learning and he will prove his worth in times to come. The former Indian pacer adds that the pressure that comes with his father’s name is something he needs to learn to live with.

“I have spent a lot of time in the nets, trying to teach him some tricks of the trade. He is a hardworking kid, he is keen on learning, it is an exciting part. The added pressure of being Sachin Tendulkar’s son will always be on him. It is something he needs to live with, the environment of the team will help him.”

“It will help him become a good cricketer, how many times a youngster gets picked in the auction and everyone is talking about him. He has to prove himself and he has to show everyone he has the goods,” said Zaheer during a virtual press conference.

In the players’ auction, the defending champions also picked up, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jimmy Neesham, Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen and Piyush Chawla.

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