Arjun Tendulkar selected for Mumbai U-23 team

What's the story?

The sensational performances in various tournaments have rewarded Arjun Tendulkar with a big call-up for the Mumbai U-23 side ahead of the upcoming One-day tournament which starts from February 13.

The son of legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar has been in limelight since his heroic left-arm bowling in the 2017-18 U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy where he picked 19 wickets in five matches while playing for Mumbai. On the back of these phenomenal numbers, Arjun broke into the India U-19 team last year.

In case you didn't know

Arjun Tendulkar is a left-arm pacer who can bat in the lower middle order as well. He has been a part of several domestic events and recently, appeared in the DY Patil T20 Cup as well. The all-rounder picked 4 wickets and scored 35 runs while playing for DY Patil 'B' team.

Young Tendulkar has also previously represented teams like MCC XI and Cricket Club of India XI in reputed events.

The heart of the matter

Arjun's outing in the recently-concluded RFS Talyarkhan Memorial invitation tournament has perhaps earned him a place in the Mumbai squad for upcoming mega U-23 tournament. He reportedly also impressed the selection committee headed by former India international, Ajit Agarkar, at Wankhede Stadium during the trials.

Meanwhile, the coach of U-23 team, Amit Pagnis, has also expressed gratification over Arjun's run in the Talyarkhan T20 semi-final, saying:

"He conceded only five runs from two overs [18th and 20th overs] and also got the priced wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal [of MCA Colts]. He also bowled well in the two trial matches, claiming two wickets in each game. Yorkers, bouncers and slower ones are his main strengths,” Pagnis told Mid-Day. (via CricTracker)

What's next?

Arjun would be aiming to make most of this opportunity and make it bigger in the forthcoming tournaments and challenging times ahead. Meanwhile, the 15-member squad will be led by Jay Patil as Mumbai start their campaign against Punjab on February 15.