Arjun Tendulkar impresses with nine-wicket haul in preparation for upcoming domestic season in invitational tournament

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's son, Arjun, showcased his talent by claiming a remarkable nine-wicket haul in Goa's innings, leading them to a convincing 189-run victory over Karnataka in the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, also known as KSCA Invitational. Arjun's stellar performance has put him in good stead for the upcoming domestic season.

Arjun finished with match figures of 9/87 in 26.3 overs across two innings. In the first innings, Karnataka folded for 103 in 36.5 overs with Tendulkar junior taking 5/41 in 13 overs. In reply, Goa posted a solid 413 as Abhinav Tejrana (109) scored a hundred and Manthan Khutkar contributed 69.

KSCA XI comprised mostly their U-19 and U-23 players with only two established names — Nikin Jose and glovesman Sharath Srinivas — in the playing XI. In the second innings, KSCA XI were a shade better, being shot out for 121 in 30.4 overs with Arjun grabbing 4 for 46 in 13.3 overs.

Arjun, who will turn 25 next week, has so far played 49 competitive games across three formats at senior level and picked 68 wickets. In 13 first-class games, he has taken 21 wickets. Arjun, who initially started playing for Mumbai, shifted to Goa over the lack of opportunities in his birth state.

Overall, Arjun played 13 first-class, 15 List-A and 21 T20s in his domestic career. He has also been Mumbai Indians setup in the Indian Premier League, playing five matches. Arjun first came into IPL, when he was bought by the five-time champions in 2021 at a base price Rs 20 lakh.

However, an injury ruled him out of the IPL that year with the franchise bringing Simarjeet Singh as replacement. Mumbai Indians bought him again the next year at a base price of Rs 30 lakh but he neve got a game in that season. Finally, Arjun made his IPL debut in 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders. He got his maiden IPL wicket against Sunrisers Hyderabad, dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar and help his team lodge a 14-run win.