12 Aug 2022  |   06:39am IST

Arjun Tendulkar likely to play for Goa next season

Left-arm pacer, son of the legendary Sachin, applies for NoC from MCA
Arjun Tendulkar likely to play for Goa next season

Team Herald


PANJIM: Arjun, son of the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, is likely to turn out for Goa in the next season. 

It has been learnt that Tendulkar Junior has applied for a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from his home association Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

The 22-year-old appears to be an answer to the Goa team’s need, according to Suraj Lotlikar, president of the Goa Cricket Association. 

Said Lotlikar on Thursday, “We are looking for a left-arm bowler to boost our attack. Every association is allowed to recruit three professionals. A lot of players look to move around at the end of the season. Arjun expressed his interest and he has joined the camp following which the selectors will take a call.”

Lotlikar revealed that the pre-season camp is in progress and the focus is on sharpening skills and strength of the squad after which it will travel to New Delhi for a month and a half to participate in the All India JP Atray Memorial tournament.

“Performances would be evaluated and the composition of the team would be decided ahead of the Ranji Trophy which commences in December,” Lotlikar said.

Arjun has been part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians and played two games for Mumbai during the 2020-21 edition of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Haryana and Puducherry.

"Getting maximum game time is important for Arjun at this juncture of his career. We believe that the move will improve the probability of Arjun featuring in more competitive matches. He’s embarking on a new phase of his cricketing career," SRT Sports Management said in a statement.

Arjun has played two  ‘Tests' for India U-19 against Sri Lanka, three summers back and has featured among the Mumbai probables for the white-ball leg of the domestic season.

Arjun  has endured huge disappointment of being sidelined from the Mumbai squad this season without a chance to prove his mettle.

Those monitoring his progress feel that the youngster has the right attitude and work ethics but, to prove himself, needs adequate game time.

He recently toured England with Mumbai Indians’developmental squad that played several T20 games there.

Players such as Kumar Kartikeya, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Dewald Brevis were part of the squad that took on club sides.

The GCA official acknowledged that Tendulkar junior is good enough to be among State's pre-season probables since Goa has been looking out for left-hand bowling talent along with players with multiple skills to boost the middle order. 

“In this context, we invited Arjun Tendulkar  and will be playing pre-season trial-matches (white ball) in which he’ll play,” he said.

“The selectors will then take a call based on his performance," Lotlikar added. 

If Arjun makes the cut, he won’t be the first case of legendary cricketers’ sons playing for Goa. Mohammed Azharuddin’s Asaduddin turned out for Goa for two Ranji Trophy matches in the 2018 season. 

Rohan, son of another legend, Sunil Gavaskar,  moved to Bengal as an 18-year old and finished as one of the state's highest run-getter, besides also captaining the side over several seasons. 

IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar