The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction delivered a surprising twist in the career of Arjun Tendulkar, the son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who had previously played for the Mumbai Indians (MI), found himself unsold in the initial round of bidding. Despite his prior association with Mumbai Indians and expectations that the franchise would pick him up at the base price of INR 30 lakh, no team showed any interest when his name was first called.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when Arjun’s name reappeared in the accelerated auction round. This time, Mumbai Indians stepped forward and secured him for his base price of INR 30 lakh. The franchise’s move sparked intense discussions, with many questioning whether this acquisition was purely merit-based or a result of his father’s legacy.
Limited opportunities for Arjun Tendulkar under Hardik Pandya’s leadership
Arjun’s journey with Mumbai began two seasons prior. In IPL 2023, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Arjun finally got his first IPL opportunity. He showcased glimpses of promise, notably taking his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite these encouraging signs, he struggled to cement his place in the playing XI.
The situation worsened in IPL 2024, when Hardik Pandya took over as Mumbai Indians’ captain. Arjun did not play a single match that season, raising questions about his development and the team’s faith in his abilities. Many cricketing experts speculated that the lack of playing time hindered his growth as a cricketer and diminished his chances of proving his talent on the grand stage.
In the 2025 auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had raised the base price for uncapped players from INR 20 lakh to INR 30 lakh, which made Arjun’s situation even more challenging. Despite this, Mumbai Indians ultimately brought him back, signifying their belief in his potential to contribute to the team.
Also READ: Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction
Nepotism allegations spark controversy
Mumbai’s decision to reacquire Arjun reignited nepotism accusations, with critics questioning whether his selection was based on merit or his family name. Social media platforms were rife with comments trolling both Sachin and the Mumbai management for allegedly prioritizing legacy over performance. Some critics pointed out that Arjun’s lack of regular playing time in previous seasons did not justify his continued presence in the squad.
Here’s how fans reacted:
MI buying Arjun Tendulkar every year is basically Laadla Beta Yojna by Ambanis. #IPLauctions2025
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar earning
30LPA every year without learning any coding #IPLAuction— JT. (@kaapi_kudka) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar Sold for 30lacs to Mumbai Indians🤣 pic.twitter.com/JykjMMV4eM
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar pic.twitter.com/kQPi93R0qC
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) November 25, 2024
This Tendulkar-MI Employment Guarantee Scheme is bonkers to say the least. That this happens in the open and everyone smirks and moves on is amazing. Unserious.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) November 25, 2024
Whatever Arjun does, he may never break free of the shadow of Sachin Tendulkar, the legend! Also, comes with this shadow the burden of expectations that he may never fulfill. Arjun is talented. But not as much as people might want to witness in him… Just because of Sachin’s… https://t.co/aJXuCMnzZZ
— Alok Mishra (@PoetAlok_Mishra) November 25, 2024
So Arjun Tendulkar is sold but David Warner and Kane Williamson are unsold… seriously????#IPLauctions2025
— CA Prachi Tripathi (@prachitripath1) November 26, 2024
MI signs Arjun Tendulkar for 30L every season so as to get Sachin Tendulkar services & brand value in IPL at much discounted price !!
Bribing
— Gss🇮🇳 (@Gss_Views) November 25, 2024
Nepotism and mediocre cricketer Arjun Tendulkar name has not been called out in the accelerated auction. But nothing to worry Papa Sachin Tendulkar will compensate that with a 10cr gift as pocket money🎁
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) November 25, 2024
Love the nepotism with Tendulkar and MI.
Sachin: “Want me to be a MI ambassador? Okay, lots of money and you always have to buy my son regardless of how pony he is.” pic.twitter.com/rjzvILvjku
— The Cricket Podcast (@TheCricketPod) November 25, 2024
Mallika Sagar really called “Mumbai Tendulkar” When they bid for Arjun 🤣 Mistake but that was a nice name 🤣
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) November 25, 2024
Transition to fast bowling and domestic cricket
Unlike his father, who is regarded as one of the greatest batter in cricket history, Arjun is carving out a path as a fast bowler. While primarily a bowler, he occasionally contributes with the bat as well. Initially, he played domestic cricket for Mumbai, but due to limited opportunities in the talent-rich Mumbai setup, he made a move to Goa to gain more consistent playing time. His performances in Goa showcased his determination and skill, but he has yet to demonstrate the consistency required to make an impact at the IPL level. In his limited IPL career so far, Arjun has played five matches, scoring 13 runs and picking up three wickets.
The path forward for Arjun Tendulkar
Arjun’s return to the Mumbai offers him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in the world’s most competitive cricket league. The five-time IPL champions, led by Hardik, will likely provide him with chances to develop and perform under the guidance of their experienced coaching staff. The upcoming IPL season will be a crucial test for Arjun, as he strives to establish himself as a capable all-rounder and silence critics questioning his place in professional cricket. Whether he will thrive under the spotlight or succumb to the immense pressure remains to be seen, but the cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching his journey closely.
Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price
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