Former India cricketer R. Ashwin has stated that he was mightily impressed with Arjun Tendulkar, who made his Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) debut in their IPL 2026 game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 23, in Lucknow.
Tendulkar was traded to LSG from MI and warmed the bench for the majority of the IPL 2026, only to get a chance in their final league game. He bowled extremely well and picked 1/36 in his four overs, though LSG lost the game to PBKS by 7 wickets.
Ashwin had stated earlier in the IPL 2026 competition that Arjun was unlikely to play due to the Lucknow team's considerable fast-bowling depth. However, Ashwin believed that the left-arm pacer's performance showed both perseverance and mental toughness after he was given the chance to play against the Punjab Kings at the Ekana Stadium.
Ashwin highlighted the unique pressure Arjun faces because of constant comparisons with his father, Sachin Tendulkar.
“I won’t talk about his skill. But his journey is not easy because he will always be compared to his father. However, I will say two things about him — he is extremely hard-working and does not back down from a contest. After bowling, he gives you a stare. Even if you hit him for a four or six, he comes back harder. Those are two qualities you have to give the kid credit for," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin was also impressed with Arjun Tendulkar’s tactical awareness and planning against Prabhsimran. He first set him up with bouncers and even had a catch dropped by Rishabh Pant. But then, in the next over, Arjun stunned Prabhsimran with a yorker and got his wicket.
“That yorker actually reversed. I also saw videos on social media of him practising yorkers extensively. But the one thing that truly impressed me was the bodyline bouncer to Prabhsimran. That is never easy for a batter. There was a top edge, and Pant could not hold on to the catch, but Arjun identified the weakness, executed the plan, and then nailed the yorker as well. For someone playing his first game of the season, that was very impressive," Ashwin added.
