Sachin Tendulkar's son, Arjun, set to tour South Africa for a 15-day cricket tournament

Arjun Tendulkar will be captaining his club’s U-18 team in South Africa

Arjun Tendulkar’s growth as a cricketer is set to take a quantum leap with him travelling to South Africa for a 15-day cricket tour, from Novemver 2 to 15, with Worli Cricket Club, and will be captaining the 16 to 18 age group cricket team.

His legendary father, Sachin Tendulkar, went on two cricket tours to England in 1988 and 1989 with Star Cricket Club shortly before making his Test debut against Pakistan, which would have undoubtedly held him in good stead for the tougher challenges he was about to confront, and one can only hope that the tour to South Africa benefits Arjun in a similar manner.

The tour is organised by Avinash Kadam, owner of Worli CC, and he told Mid-Day yesterday: "Arjun did exceptionally well when we toured SA last year. He was the highest run-scorer. Like his father, Arjun is a keen learner and has been part of our club for the last two years."

Kadam, who has been organizing tours of South Africa since 2011, added that Worli CC are scheduled to play 10 matches of 45 overs each against the top schools of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Potchefstroom.

"Such trips are very important because most of our cricketers only play in Mumbai. They have no avenues to play in different conditions. A trip like this provides good exposure to these youngsters. It gives them a sense of playing on faster wickets.”

When asked how he manages financially to organize such trips, Kadam said: "Those who are financially well off, pay for their trip. We look for sponsors for those who cannot afford it."