Jayawardene, Zaheer says Arjun Tendulkar selected on skill basis

Arjun Tendulkar, the son of former Indian cricket team batsman Sachin Tendulkar, is desperate for his debut in the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians mentor and Director of Cricket operations Mahela Jayawardene and Zaheer Khan stated that he is selected on skill basis.

The 21-year-old young all-rounder was bought by Mumbai Indians on Thursday for his base prize of Rs 20 lakh. His father has not only played for this franchise, but he is also the mentor of this team.

"We've looked at it purely on a skill basis. I mean, there is going to be a big tag on his head because of Sachin. But, luckily, he's a bowler, not a batsman. So I think Sachin will be very proud if he could bowl like Arjun, "ESPNcricinfo quoted Jayawardene as saying.

"I think it's going to be a learning process for Arjun. He just started playing for Mumbai, and now the franchise. He will learn the ropes; he will evolve. He's still young. A very focused young man," he further said. "We have to give him time and hopefully not put a lot of pressure on him either. Just let him evolve and work his way up, and that's what we're there to help him to do," Jayawardene added.

"I have spent a lot of time in the nets, trying to teach him some tricks of the trade, he is a hardworking kid, he is keen on learning, it is an exciting part. The added pressure of being Sachin Tendulkar's son will always be on him, it is something he needs to live with, the environment of the team will help him. It will help him become a good cricketer, how many times a youngster gets picked in the auction and everyone is talking about him, he has to prove himself and he has to show everyone he has the goods, "said Mumbai Indians' Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan during a virtual press conference.

The 21-year-old young all-rounder from Mumbai was bought by Mumbai Indians on Thursday for his base prize of Rs 20 lakh. His father has not only played for this franchise, but he is also the mentor of this team.