In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), few stories capture the blend of legacy, resilience, and raw ambition quite like Arjun Tendulkar’s. The 26-year-old all-rounder, son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, has traded the familiar blue of Mumbai Indians (MI) for the green and gold of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of IPL 2026. In a candid, no-holds-barred interview with Shubhankar Mishra on Unplugged Shubhankar, Arjun opens up about his MI exit, the crushing weight of comparisons, career setbacks, and his excitement for a new chapter in Lucknow. Uploaded just as LSG prepares for their opener, this conversation reveals a mature, grounded cricketer ready to carve his own path.
The MI Exit: “No One Wants to Sit on the Bench”
Arjun made his IPL debut for MI in 2023 and spent two seasons with the five-time champions, featuring in just five matches. He took three wickets and scored 13 runs, often impressing with his swing and early-over control in the opportunities he got. Yet, consistent game time eluded him amid fierce competition.
When asked if he ever felt he deserved more matches, Arjun’s response was refreshingly honest: “Who doesn’t feel that? No one wants to sit on the bench. But all that is in our hands is to work hard and when the opportunity comes, perform.”
He was traded to LSG for ₹30 lakh at the auction base price last November. The move wasn’t impulsive—Arjun had already switched to Goa in domestic cricket years earlier for the same reason: more opportunities, exposure, and confidence. “There (in Goa) I got more opportunities, exposure and most importantly, confidence,” he shared. Now, with LSG, he sees a genuine chance to “explode” and make an impact.
Battling the Shadow of Legacy: “A Blessing and a Challenge”
Being Sachin Tendulkar’s son comes with unparalleled blessings—and relentless scrutiny. Arjun addressed the mental toll of constant comparisons head-on. “There is a huge shadow with us. So there is blessing but along with blessing there is also a challenge,” he said.
His mindset? Refreshingly mature. “This is not to prove anything to anyone. I just play cricket for my passion and work hard. And no one has to prove anything. Just work hard and enjoy the game.”
He doesn’t fear criticism either. When asked directly if he’s scared of it, Arjun replied with a calm “No. I don’t.” Off the field, he stays grounded by spending time with his five dogs in Goa and keeping a tight circle of non-cricketer friends. “I don’t really have cricketer friends; most of my friends don’t play cricket,” he revealed, adding that they rarely talk cricket. This separation helps him switch off and stay mentally fresh.
Setbacks That Shaped Him: Stress Fractures and Lost Years
Arjun’s journey hasn’t been smooth. He suffered two consecutive stress fractures at the end of 2015, forcing a complete remodel of his bowling action. The result? An entire year lost during his crucial Under-19 phase—the “make-or-break” period for aspiring professionals.
“If I start talking about all of them, it would take too long,” he noted about his challenges. Yet, these hurdles taught him resilience. He credits coaches like Bharat Arun and Kal Crowe (who’ve worked with the likes of Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant) for tactical insights during the season, rather than technical overhauls.
Idols Beyond the Father: Yuvraj Singh’s Influence
While Sachin remains his ultimate inspiration (and “God/father” in his words), Arjun named Yuvraj Singh as the player who made him fall in love with the game beyond his dad. “Yuvraj Singh,” he said without hesitation when asked about his cricketing idol. He admires Yuvraj’s all-round brilliance—batting, bowling (as a spinner), and fielding. “He was a spinner and I am a pacer, so Yuvraj also worked on many players,” Arjun added, revealing he collaborated with Yuvraj on grip and game improvements recently.
He also draws from Rishabh Pant and others in the current setup, emphasizing continuous learning to take his game to the next level.
Life in Lucknow: Food, Culture, and New Energy
Arjun has already begun embracing his new home. He explored Lucknow’s Old City and fell in love with the local cuisine—especially biryani and shami kebabs. “I really liked the food,” he shared enthusiastically.
He’s adapting to the cultural shift from Mumbai, learning Hindi etiquette, and feeling the passionate support of UP and Bihar fans at Ekana Stadium. The roar will be different from Wankhede, but he’s ready for it. A brief interaction with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka (who congratulated him on his recent wedding) added a personal touch.
On the Impact Player Rule and LSG’s Title Hopes
Arjun isn’t a fan of the Impact Player rule. He prefers the traditional 11-player format, arguing it dilutes bowling strategies and makes T20 cricket less exciting—especially since international cricket doesn’t use it.
On LSG’s prospects for IPL 2026: optimistic and realistic. He highlights the team’s explosive top order, powerful middle order, reliable spinners, and strong pace attack. “Not underdogs,” he said—they can win the trophy if they play good cricket. T20 is unpredictable, but the squad feels balanced and hungry.
The Personal Side: Passion, Simplicity, and Sachin’s Advice
Away from cricket, Arjun listens to a mix of AC/DC, Karan Aujla, and Michael Jackson. His daily ritual includes a simple “namaskar” to Ganpati. Recently married, he credits his wife Saaniya for immense support.
Sachin’s advice remains his north star: “Work hard honestly, enjoy the game, no shortcuts.” Arjun lives by it—focusing on the process rather than targets or external validation. “Live honestly, keep happy, don’t hurt anyone, no fraud,” he summed up.
Why This Interview Matters
As LSG faces Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 opener at Ekana, Arjun Tendulkar stands at a crossroads. No longer just “Sachin’s son,” he’s a 26-year-old all-rounder with swing in his armoury, fire in his belly, and a calm that comes from five dogs and a life kept simple.
This Unplugged conversation isn’t just another celebrity interview—it’s a window into a young man who’s faced injuries, bench time, and impossible comparisons yet emerges humble, driven, and ready. Fans have praised his innocence and maturity in the comments. Whether he takes wickets, scores runs, or simply enjoys the game, one thing is clear: Arjun Tendulkar is finally ready to write his own legacy.
Watch the full interview here: Arjun Tendulkar Opens Up on Leaving Mumbai Indians! | Shubhankar Mishra. IPL 2026 is already delivering stories worth following—Arjun’s could be one of the most inspiring.
What are your thoughts on Arjun’s move to LSG? Will he finally get the opportunities he deserves? Drop your comments below!
