Finally, a Tendulkar picks up an IPL wicketSachin thrilled for son Arjun’s last-over heroics for MI vs SRH

By India Today Sports DeskSachin Tendulkar was a nervous man as he watched his son Arjun Tendulkar take the mark to bowl the final over of the IPL 2023 match between Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Tuesday, April 18. Arjun had 20 runs to defend, thanks to a terrific penultimate over from young all-rounder Cameron Green.

Sachin Tendulkar was not sitting in the dug-out but he was in the dressing room as the television cameras panned on him when Arjun was gearing up to deliver the final over to Abdul Samad and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 2 of the last 3 batters of SRH.

MI and Arjun had the cushion of 20 runs for the final over but strange things have happened in the IPL, as recently as earlier this month.

However, Arjun delivered the final over with composure, only his 5th over and in his 2nd IPL match, giving only 5 runs in as many deliveries. Arjun did not have raw pace but he delivered his wide yorkers to perfection and bowled to the field set by his captain Rohit Sharma. He was rewarded with his first IPL wicket – Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

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Captain Rohit Sharma was elated as Arjun Tendulkar wrapped up the match, successfully defending a 192-run total for their 3rd successive win of the IPL 2023 season.

Sachin Tendulkar was spotted sporting a wide smile as he walked out to congratulate the two sets of players in the customary post-match interaction.

The legendary batter, who finished his IPL career without a wicket, came up with a light-hearted tweet, congratulating the Mumbai Indians and his son Arjun Tendulkar.

“A superb all-round performance by Mumbai Indians once again. Cameron Green impressed with both bat & ball. Ishan & Tilak’s batting is as good as it gets! The IPL is getting more interesting every day. Great going boys,” Tendulkar said.

“And finally a Tendulkar has an IPL wicket!” he added.

ROHIT LAUDS ARJUN

Captain Rohit Sharma heaped rich praise on Arjun, lauding the youngster’s ability to execute his plans under pressure. Marred by injuries in IPL 2023, MI gave Arjun a debut after the young pacer spent 3 years with the team and it seems the Junior Tendulkar is able to make good use of the opportunity that has come in his way.

“Arjun has been a part of this team for three years. He understands what he wants to do. He is quite confident as well. He is clear in his plans. He is trying to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death,” Rohit said.

Having won 3 out of their first 5 games in IPL 2023, MI moved to the 5th spot in the points table. The 5-time champions will next face Punjab Kings at home in Mumbai on Saturday, April 22.