Arjun Tendulkar

Arjun Tendulkar

Role: All-rounder
DOB: 24 September 1999
IPL Team (2026): Unsold
Base Price: ₹20 Lakhs (last known base price)

The Story of Arjun Tendulkar

Born under the colossal shadow of cricketing royalty, Arjun Tendulkar’s journey into the IPL has been anything but ordinary. The son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun, a left-arm fast-medium bowler and a handy lower-order batsman, has carried the weight of immense expectations since his formative years. His cricketing education began in Mumbai’s robust domestic circuit, where he honed his skills as a genuine all-rounder, often catching the eye with his ability to swing the new ball and contribute with the bat.

Arjun’s IPL dream materialized when he was picked by Mumbai Indians in the 2021 auction, a moment that sent ripples across the cricketing world. However, his debut was a patient wait, finally coming in IPL 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. It was a poignant moment, with his father watching from the stands, as Arjun opened the bowling for MI. His breakthrough came in the very next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he picked up his maiden IPL wicket, dismissing the dangerous Harry Brook, a moment that momentarily silenced the critics and allowed his talent to speak for itself. He showcased glimpses of his all-round potential with a quickfire 13* against Gujarat Titans, demonstrating his ability to clear the ropes.

His playing style is characterized by his left-arm angle, which naturally creates discomfort for right-handed batsmen, and his ability to generate late swing. While primarily a new-ball bowler, he has also worked on his variations, including slower balls and yorkers, aiming to become a death-over option. With the bat, he’s a clean striker, capable of providing crucial runs in the lower middle order, often targeting the straight boundaries. The pressure of his surname is undeniable, but Arjun has consistently shown a steely resolve, focusing on his game and letting his performances do the talking.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Arjun Tendulkar’s entire IPL journey has been intertwined with the Mumbai Indians. He was first acquired by the five-time champions in the 2021 IPL auction for his base price of ₹20 Lakhs. Despite being part of the squad, he spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on the bench, soaking in the high-pressure environment and learning from some of the best in the business. In the 2022 mega-auction, MI re-signed him for ₹30 Lakhs, reaffirming their belief in his potential.

His much-anticipated debut finally arrived in IPL 2023, where he played 4 matches. He opened the bowling in his first game and picked up 3 wickets across the season, with a best of 1/17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also contributed with an unbeaten 13 runs in his only batting innings. The 2024 season saw him get just one opportunity, bowling two overs without picking a wicket, as MI’s squad depth and tactical shifts limited his playing time. Despite being a promising talent, the intense competition for spots and the need for consistent performances meant he was eventually released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2026 auction, where he remained unsold.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

From a betting standpoint, Arjun Tendulkar presents an interesting, albeit high-risk, proposition. His primary strength lies in his left-arm swing bowling, which can be particularly effective in the powerplay against right-handed opening batsmen. Bettors might look for “Player to take a wicket in the Powerplay” prop bets if he’s given the new ball, especially on pitches offering some lateral movement. His economy rate in 2023 (5.75) was impressive for a bowler operating in the powerplay, suggesting potential for “Under X Runs Conceded” bets if he finds his rhythm.

However, his weaknesses include limited experience and the pressure associated with his name, which can sometimes lead to inconsistency. He can be prone to leaking runs when his swing isn’t working, making “Over X Runs Conceded” a viable bet if conditions don’t suit him or he’s bowling in the death overs without much practice. As a lower-order batsman, his contributions are sporadic, making “Player to Score X Runs” bets highly speculative. Given his ‘Unsold’ status for 2026, direct betting on his performance is currently not an option, but understanding his profile helps in assessing similar emerging all-rounders. His potential, though untapped in the IPL, lies in his unique skill set, making him a player to watch if he finds a consistent role in domestic cricket and makes a comeback.

Key Records & Milestones

• First son of an IPL player to also play in the IPL (Sachin Tendulkar and Arjun Tendulkar).
• Took his maiden IPL wicket against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023, dismissing Harry Brook.
• Opened the bowling for Mumbai Indians on his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023.
• Scored an unbeaten 13 runs in his only IPL batting innings, showcasing his hitting ability.

IPL Season Highlights

Arjun Tendulkar’s most significant IPL season was undoubtedly his debut year, 2023. After a long wait, he finally donned the Mumbai Indians jersey, making his debut against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 16, 2023. He bowled two overs for 17 runs, showcasing control with the new ball. His breakthrough moment arrived in the very next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, 2023, where he bowled a crucial final over, successfully defending 20 runs and picking up his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing Harry Brook. He finished with figures of 1/18 from 2.5 overs in that game. Later in the season, against Gujarat Titans, he contributed with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 13 runs off just 9 balls, including two boundaries, demonstrating his all-round potential. While his 2024 season was limited to just one appearance, his 2023 performances offered a glimpse into the talent that lies beneath the weight of expectation.