IPL 2026: Arjun Tendulkar Breaks Silence On Lucknow Move, Eyes More Playing Time With Super Giants

New Delhi: The Lucknow Super Giants acquired Arjun Tendulkar in the Indian Premier League auction ahead of IPL 2026. Prior to this, Arjun had played exclusively for the Mumbai Indians; this marks the first time he has become part of a different franchise. His father, Sachin Tendulkar, serves as a mentor for the Mumbai Indians squad, and for the first time, Arjun will be seen playing for a team competing against his father's side. Reflecting on his departure from Mumbai, he remarked that no player wishes to sit on the bench.

How did Arjun Tendulkar fare at Mumbai Indians?

Speaking of Arjun Tendulkar, he made his IPL debut in 2023. In that inaugural season, Mumbai fielded him in four matches, during which Arjun managed to take only three wickets. Subsequently, in the 2024 season, Arjun received an opportunity to play just one match for the Mumbai squad, but he failed to take a single wicket. Thus, over two years, he played a mere five matches, with a record of three wickets to his name. Meanwhile, during the 2025 IPL season, he spent his entire time warming the bench for the Mumbai Indians.

Addressing the fact that he played only five matches and remained on the bench for the majority of the past three seasons with Mumbai, Arjun Tendulkar stated in a podcast: "No one wants to sit on the bench. We all want to work hard and perform well whenever we get the opportunity."

What Did Arjun Say About the 'Impact Player' Rule?

Furthermore, addressing the 'Impact Player' rule introduced in the IPL, Arjun Tendulkar remarked: "In my opinion, you should select your 11 players and take the field with that specific squad. That is how international cricket is played—there is no 'Impact Player.' Therefore, I am personally against the Impact Player rule."

How ​​Many T20 Matches Has Arjun Played?

Now that Arjun Tendulkar has joined a team other than Mumbai for the very first time, he will undoubtedly be keen to receive a full opportunity to showcase his abilities. Rishabh Pant is the captain of Arjun's new team, and it remains to be seen how Pant, in his capacity as captain, chooses to utilize the services of the pace-bowling all-rounder, Arjun Tendulkar. 26-year-old Arjun has taken 35 wickets in 29 T20 matches so far and has also scored 189 runs with the bat.