Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma hailed Arjun Tendulkar's performance in his team's victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), citing that the medium pacer is quite clear in his bowling plans.
Featuring in his second IPL game, Arjun was tasked to defend 20 runs off the final over and he secured a 14-run victory for MI. The left-armer bowled a tidy last over, choosing to go full and wide. In the process, he also claimed his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
"It's quite exciting to play with Arjun. Life has come a full circle," Rohit, who shared the Indian and MI dressing room with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, said at the presentation ceremony.
"Arjun has been a part of this team for three years. He understands what he wants to do. He is quite confident as well. He is clear in his plans. He is trying to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death."
Talking about his own batting, Rohit said: "It is a different role. I am trying to set the tempo. Glad to get some scores in the powerplay. I understand one of us has to bat big."
The MI captain also showered rich praise on young batter Tilak Varma, who played an impactful knock of 17-ball 37 against SRH.
"We have a long batting line-up. We want these guys to come out and bat freely. We watched Tilak last season. We all know what he can. I love his approach. He doesn't play the bowler, he plays the ball. We will see him play for a lot of teams."
Arjun Tendulkar, who returned with the figures of 1/18 in 2.5 overs, said he concentrated on his release and length.
"Obviously it was great getting my first IPL wicket. I just had to focus on what was in hand, the plan and executing it. Our plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play, make the batter hit it to the longer side.
"I love bowling, I am happy to bowl anytime the captain asks me to and just stick to the team plan and give my best.
"I just focused on my release, bowling good lengths and lines upfront. If it swings, it's a bonus, if it doesn't, so be it," Arjun said after the game.
When asked if he talks cricket with his father, the 23-year-old said: "We talk about cricket, we discuss tactics before the game and he tells me to back what I practise every game."
(With PTI Inputs)
