Captain Rohit Sharma was effusive in his praise for Arjun Tendulkar’s performance in Mumbai Indians’ 14-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderbad in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Rohit stated that Arjun, son of the iconic Sachin Tendulkar — who’s present in the Mumbai Indians’ dugout as their icon — has clarity of thought when it comes to his bowling.
Arjun, playing his second IPL game, was under a bit of pressure as he had to defend 20 runs off the final over against the Sunrisers. The left-arm medium-pacer bowled a tight final over, choosing to go full and wide. He also picked up his maiden IPL wicket in the process, dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar and finishing with 1/18 off 2.5 overs.
“It’s quite exciting to play with Arjun. Life has come a full circle,” Rohit, who shared the Indian and Mumbai Indians dressing room with Arjun’s father as well, said at the post-match presentation.
“Arjun has been a part of this team for three years. He understands what he wants to do. He is quite confident as well. He is clear in his plans. He is trying to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death.”
The 23-year old Arjun, who had finished with figures of 0/17 off two overs in his debut game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede back on Sunday, said he concentrated on his release and length.
“Obviously, it was great getting my first IPL wicket. I just had to focus on what was in hand, the plan and the execution part of it,” he told the broadcasters after Mumbai’s victory.
“Our plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play, and make the batter hit it to the longer side.”
Like he did on debut, Arjun bowled two overs upfront and then came back to bowl the final over. “I love bowling and am happy to bowl anytime the captain asks me to.
“I just look to stick to the team plan and give my best. I focused on my release,bowling good lengths and lines upfront. If it swings, it’s a bonus. If it doesn’t, so be it,” he said.
Talking about the cricket-related discussions he has with Sachin, Arjun replied: “We talk about cricket. We discuss tactics before the game and he tells me to back what I practise every game. “
So far, Arjun has certainly done a decent job. But he does need to work a little on his pace as going forward, he’s set to come up against more aggressive stroke-makers.
