Arjun Tendulkar
Photo Credit: PTI.

Almost five years after bearing the pain of seeing Sachin Tendulkar retiring from the game, the Indian cricket welcomed another Tendulkar on Thursday (June 7). Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary cricketer was included in U-19 side for the two four-day games against Sri Lanka.

But while many welcomed Tendulkar junior in the team, many raised questions over his selection. Arjun played for Mumbai Under-19 in 2017-18 Cooch Behar Trophy but could not make a big mark. Although he managed to take 18 wickets, he was 43rd in the list of wicket-takers for the season. Not surprisingly, there were questions marks over his selection.

Well, a senior BCCI official has explained the reason behind Arjun getting the call.

“There is a clear direction from BCCI and coach Rahul Dravid that those who will surpass 19 by this year should not be selected even if they have performed. Let them play Ranji Trophy according to Rahul. So a lot of boys ahead of Arjun are disqualified,” the official said.

BCCI Official Reveals The Reason Behind Arjun Tendulkar's Surprise Selection In The Indian U-19 Team

Another source said that Arjun got the call because there were not many pacers who performed better than him.

“If you look at the List, Arjun is the only genuine quick bowler who has more than 15 wickets. Most of the bowlers above him are spinners with only Ajay Dev Goud (33 wickets) being a genuine all-rounder. He is a slow medium bowler while Arjun is quick bowler,” he said.

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Arjun, meanwhile, also impressed in a zonal U-19 match between West and South Zone at Una. The 18-year old picked up 4 for 37 including three wickets in one spell.

“A lot of people don’t know U-19 zonals are happening at Una and Arjun has done well there,” said the source.

Arjun has trained under former India fast bowler Subroto Banerjee, a close friend of Tendulkar. Banerjee is a highly-rated fast-bowling coach, having mentored the likes of Umesh Yadav and Rajneesh Gurbani.

Asked if the youngster will be under pressure, the senior official said: “He is eyeing to become a professional cricketer. He is another member of this Indian squad and he will have to perform. The selectors have given him a chance looking at his potential.”

BCCI Official Reveals The Reason Behind Arjun Tendulkar's Surprise Selection In The Indian U-19 Team

Earlier this year, Arjun hogged the limelights after his brilliant debut in the Spirit of Cricket Global Challenge in Australia. Playing for Cricketer’s Club of India (CCI) against Hong Kong Cricket Club (HKC) in a T20 match, he delivered an impressive all-round show. He scored 48 off just 27 balls before picking up four wickets in four overs.

 

 

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