The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega public sale delivered a shocking twist within the profession of Arjun Tendulkar, the son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who had beforehand performed for the Mumbai Indians (MI), discovered himself unsold within the preliminary spherical of bidding. Regardless of his prior affiliation with Mumbai Indians and expectations that the franchise would choose him up on the base value of INR 30 lakh, no staff confirmed any curiosity when his title was first referred to as.
Nevertheless, the narrative took an surprising flip when Arjun’s title reappeared within the accelerated public sale spherical. This time, Mumbai Indians stepped ahead and secured him for his base value of INR 30 lakh. The franchise’s transfer sparked intense discussions, with many questioning whether or not this acquisition was purely merit-based or a results of his father’s legacy.
Restricted alternatives for Arjun Tendulkar below Hardik Pandya’s management
Arjun’s journey with Mumbai started two seasons prior. In IPL 2023, below the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Arjun lastly received his first IPL alternative. He showcased glimpses of promise, notably taking his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Regardless of these encouraging indicators, he struggled to cement his place within the enjoying XI.
The scenario worsened in IPL 2024, when Hardik Pandya took over as Mumbai Indians’ captain. Arjun didn’t play a single match that season, elevating questions on his growth and the staff’s religion in his skills. Many cricketing consultants speculated that the dearth of enjoying time hindered his progress as a cricketer and diminished his possibilities of proving his expertise on the grand stage.
Within the 2025 public sale, the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) had raised the bottom value for uncapped gamers from INR 20 lakh to INR 30 lakh, which made Arjun’s scenario much more difficult. Regardless of this, Mumbai Indians finally introduced him again, signifying their perception in his potential to contribute to the staff.
Additionally READ: Full squads of all 10 groups after the IPL 2025 mega public sale
Nepotism allegations spark controversy
Mumbai’s resolution to reacquire Arjun reignited nepotism accusations, with critics questioning whether or not his choice was primarily based on advantage or his household title. Social media platforms had been rife with feedback trolling each Sachin and the Mumbai administration for allegedly prioritizing legacy over efficiency. Some critics identified that Arjun’s lack of normal enjoying time in earlier seasons didn’t justify his continued presence within the squad.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
MI shopping for Arjun Tendulkar yearly is principally Laadla Beta Yojna by Ambanis. #IPLauctions2025
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar incomes
30LPA yearly with out studying any coding #IPLAuction— JT. (@kaapi_kudka) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar Bought for 30lacs to Mumbai Indians🤣 pic.twitter.com/JykjMMV4eM
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar pic.twitter.com/kQPi93R0qC
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) November 25, 2024
This Tendulkar-MI Employment Assure Scheme is bonkers to say the least. That this occurs within the open and everybody smirks and strikes on is superb. Unserious.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) November 25, 2024
No matter Arjun does, he might by no means break freed from the shadow of Sachin Tendulkar, the legend! Additionally, comes with this shadow the burden of expectations that he might by no means fulfill. Arjun is proficient. However not as a lot as individuals would possibly need to witness in him… Simply due to Sachin’s… https://t.co/aJXuCMnzZZ
— Alok Mishra (@PoetAlok_Mishra) November 25, 2024
So Arjun Tendulkar is bought however David Warner and Kane Williamson are unsold… significantly????#IPLauctions2025
— CA Prachi Tripathi (@prachitripath1) November 26, 2024
MI indicators Arjun Tendulkar for 30L each season in order to get Sachin Tendulkar companies & model worth in IPL at a lot discounted value !!
Bribing
— Gss🇮🇳 (@Gss_Views) November 25, 2024
Nepotism and mediocre cricketer Arjun Tendulkar title has not been referred to as out within the accelerated public sale. However nothing to fret Papa Sachin Tendulkar will compensate that with a 10cr present as pocket cash🎁
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) November 25, 2024
Love the nepotism with Tendulkar and MI.
Sachin: “Need me to be a MI ambassador? Okay, plenty of cash and also you at all times have to purchase my son no matter how pony he’s.” pic.twitter.com/rjzvILvjku
— The Cricket Podcast (@TheCricketPod) November 25, 2024
Mallika Sagar actually referred to as “Mumbai Tendulkar” Once they bid for Arjun 🤣 Mistake however that was a pleasant title 🤣
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) November 25, 2024
Transition to quick bowling and home cricket
Not like his father, who’s considered one of many best batter in cricket historical past, Arjun is carving out a path as a quick bowler. Whereas primarily a bowler, he sometimes contributes with the bat as effectively. Initially, he performed home cricket for Mumbai, however resulting from restricted alternatives within the talent-rich Mumbai setup, he made a transfer to Goa to realize extra constant enjoying time. His performances in Goa showcased his dedication and talent, however he has but to display the consistency required to make an affect on the IPL stage. In his restricted IPL profession to this point, Arjun has performed 5 matches, scoring 13 runs and choosing up three wickets.
The trail ahead for Arjun Tendulkar
Arjun’s return to the Mumbai affords him a recent alternative to showcase his abilities on this planet’s best cricket league. The five-time IPL champions, led by Hardik, will possible present him with possibilities to develop and carry out below the steering of their skilled teaching workers. The upcoming IPL season shall be an important check for Arjun, as he strives to ascertain himself as a succesful all-rounder and silence critics questioning his place in skilled cricket. Whether or not he’ll thrive below the highlight or succumb to the immense stress stays to be seen, however the cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching his journey intently.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025 Mega Public sale: Full checklist of unsold gamers together with their base value