‘He has been in wonderful fine form’ – Brett Lee backs Arjun Tendulkar despite leaking 31 runs in single over against Punjab Kings

Former Australia speedster, Brett Lee, reckoned the Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer, Arjun Tendulkar, has been in ‘fine form’ for the franchise despite leaking too many runs in his previous outing. Notably, Arjun ended up featuring in an unwanted record during the clash against the Punjab Kings on Saturday, April 22.

The 23-year-old pacer was taken to the cleaners as Sam Curran and Harpreet Singh slammed 31 runs off his over, which included six boundaries. Arjun concluded with 48 runs off three overs, having racked up one wicket.

However, MI’s newest pace addition excelled in the death overs against SRH as he helped defend 20 runs off the final over and also got a wicket. His impressive outing against SRH garnered much appreciation from Aussie great, Brett Lee, who once again backed the young pacer despite having leaked 31 runs against PBKS.

"I think he can do all facets. The thing with Arjun Tendulkar is I have been super impressed. I feel he has been in wonderful fine form for the Mumbai Indians. His new-ball bowling is outstanding, he is swinging the ball, he is getting the most swing out of the Mumbai Indians. He is well-suited for the middle overs and with experience he will enjoy bowling at the death overs. I am all praise for him,” Lee was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

People criticise almost everything: Brett Lee

Arjun Tendulkar has also faced a lot of heat for his bowling speed as the pacer has not been able to hit over 130kmph on a consistent basis. Lee further shared pearls of advice for the youngster to not take heed of the criticism and take a leaf out of his father, Sachin Tendulkar’s career. 

"People criticise almost everything. He is only 23 years of age and he has got his whole career ahead of him. My advice will be don't listen to critics. Like his dad had to go through like he misses out and gets a low score...you got to back yourself. He has got some wonderful skills,” advised Lee.

Furthermore, Brett emphasized that Arjun's pace is not a issue. Through experience and by playing under pressure situations will help the youngster to get better especially under the lights in front of the big crowd. So in totality, Lee wants Arjun to stick to his process and soon it will reap rewards ahead.

“He can bowl at 140 kph so as soon as he gets comfortable bowling in the team environment, in front of the big lights and big crowd, his pace will increase. I see no issue with his pace. I know how fast he can bowl. He has got all the talent and all the right attributes,” he continued.

"So, my advice would be to keep doing what you have been doing and don't listen to those people who are trying to have a go at him because remember most people who will criticise on social media have never bowled a ball in their life. They are keyboard warriors," Lee concluded.