India legend Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar did not get a single chance in this year’s Indian T20 League for Mumbai. That became a hot topic as fans were hoping to see him in action this time around. Regarding this situation, former India All-rounder and India's first World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev requested the fans to not put pressure on Arjun Tendulkar.
Speaking on Uncut, the legendary all-rounder said that he should not be compared with his father at all as he needs to play his own cricket for now with full freedom. Till now, Arjun managed to play two T20 matches for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. Despite making his debut for the U-19 side against Sri Lanka in 2019, he was not in the final squad for the World Cup in 2020 in South Africa.
“Don't put pressure on Arjun. He is a young boy.” - Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev said that being a young boy, Arjun should not be put under any pressure right now. He said: “Why is everyone talking about him? Because he is Sachin Tendulkar's son. Let him play his own cricket and do not compare him with Sachin. To have a Tendulkar name has perks and disadvantages as well. Don Bradman's son changed his name because he could not soak up that kind of pressure. He removed the surname Bradman because everyone expected him to turn out like his father,"
He also added: “Don't put pressure on Arjun. He is a young boy. Who are we to say anything to him when he has the great Sachin as his father? But I would still just like to tell him one thing Go and enjoy yourself. No need to prove anything. If you can become even 50 percent like your father there is nothing better. When the name Tendulkar comes up, our expectations rise because Sachin was such a great,"
Speaking about his short career so far, Arjun managed to pick up only two wickets for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament at an economy of 9.57. He failed to contribute with the bat as well. Mumbai franchise coach, Mahela Jayawardene, addressed that he needs to work on specific aspects of his game to get a breakthrough into the playing XI in the Indian T20 League.