'Tendulkar surname has its perks and disadvantages' - Kapil Dev on Arjun Tendulkar

Former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev has advised Arjun Tendulkar to focus on his own game, and also asked others to not compare him with his father. Arjun, a fast-bowling all-rounder and son of India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, didn’t get a single game for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2022. He was signed by MI for INR 30 lakh in the mega auction ahead of the season.

Notably, Arjun has been associated with MI since IPL 2021 but is yet to make his IPL debut. MI bowling coach Shane Bond recently shared his thoughts about the 22-year-old, stating that the all-rounder needs to work hard and also improve on his batting and fielding. Meanwhile, Kapil said that having the surname ‘Tendulkar’ has its perks and disadvantages. 

Don’t put pressure on Arjun, he is a young boy: says Kapil Dev

Several young players such as Tim David, Dewald Brevis and Kumar Kartikeya, after being picked by MI, were given the opportunity to play in matches. But for the second season in a row, Arjun could not break into the playing XI. Kapil also felt that if Arjun became even 50 percent like his father, he can go a long way.

Speaking to ‘Uncut’, Kapil said, “Why is everyone talking about him? Because he is Sachin Tendulkar’s son. Let him play his own cricket and do not compare with Sachin. To have a Tendulkar name has perks and disadvantages as well. Don Bradman’s son changed his name because he could not soak that kind of pressure. He removed the surname Bradman because everyone expected him to turn out like his father.”

“Don’t put pressure on Arjun. He is a young boy. Who are we to say anything to him when he has the great Sachin as his father? But I would still just like to tell him one thing… Go and enjoy yourself. No need to prove anything. If you can become even 50 percent like your father… there is nothing better. When the name Tendulkar comes up, our expectations rise because Sachin was such a great,” added the former India all-rounder.