'Khelega hi nahi': Ashwin's blunt verdict on Arjun Tendulkar at LSG
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes Arjun Tendulkar will face significant challenges securing a spot in the Lucknow Super Giants' playing XI due to the team's formidable pace attack. Ashwin also expressed doubt about LSG's playoff chances this season, predicting they will miss the top six.
NEW DELHI: With Lucknow Super Giants already boasting a star-studded pace arsenal, Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, may struggle for opportunities in his new team, according to former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. LSG have Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Akash Singh in their pace unit, and given the strength of their attack, Arjun’s chances of featuring in the playing XI appear slim. “Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there.
I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play?
I don’t think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Arjun was traded from Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December. He was first picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 mini-auction for Rs 20 lakh but did not play a game that season.
He was bought again by the five-time champions in the IPL 2023 mega-auction for Rs 30 lakh and finally made his long-awaited debut. In his first IPL outing against Kolkata Knight Riders, Arjun bowled two overs, conceded 17 runs and went wicketless. He featured in four matches that season and took three wickets.