The Mumbai Indians (MI) roped in Arjun Tendulkar as the last pick of the IPL 2021 auction. MI coach Mahela Jayawardena has rated the pick as one 'purely based on skill'.
Arjun Tendulkar's IPL contract with MI was criticized on social media as the youngster does not have an elongated streak of good performances in school, club, or domestic cricket. While Arjun played for Mumbai in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, he has not been picked for the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament.
As a result, the young Tendulkar received his share of criticism. However, Jayawardena has come to his rescue and stated that the left-arm pacer will evolve as a cricketer with MI.
Jayawardena told ESPNCricInfo, "We've looked at it purely on a skill basis. I mean, there is going to be a big tag on his head because of Sachin. But, luckily, he's a bowler, not a batsman. So I think Sachin will be very proud if he could bowl like Arjun."
"I think it's going to be a learning process for Arjun. He just started playing for Mumbai, and now the franchise. He will learn the ropes; he will evolve. He's still young. A very focused young man," he added.
Jayawardena also wants to ensure that Arjun is not under a lot of pressure and the MI coaching staff wants to be there to help him evolve.
"We have to give him time and hopefully not put a lot of pressure on him either. Just let him evolve and work his way up, and that's what we're there to help him to do," the 43-year-old said.
(With ANI inputs)
