MUMBAI: Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun has parted ways with Mumbai due to lack of game time. The left-arm pacer, who played 2 T20s (against Haryana and Puducherry) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January last year, will play for Mumbai’s southwestern neighbours Goa in the next domestic season.
The left-arm pacer applied for a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association.
The 22-year-old Arjun was included in Mumbai team’s Ranji Trophy squad for the group stage of the tournament last season, but didn’t get to play a game. He was then excluded from the squad for the knockouts.
“Getting maximum game-time on the ground is important for Arjun at this juncture of his career. We believe that the shift will improve the probability of Arjun featuring in more competitive matches. He is embarking on a new phase of his cricketing career,” a statement from SRT Sports Management read.
Arjun has been part of the Mumbai Indians set up for the last two IPLs, but is yet to make his debut for them. He was recently a part of MI’ developmental squad, which played T20 games in England against English club sides.
“He’s a good bowler. He’s represented India Under-19 (against Sri Lanka Under-19 three years back) and did well there too. Now he’s 22, so on-field playing time is very important for him. The more he plays, the better for him. Of course, we will miss him, but it’s good that he’ll get to play more matches. I wish him all the very best,” Mumbai chief selector Salil Ankola told TOI.
Goa Cricket Association president Suraj Lotilkar said that his team sought a left-arm pacer.
“We wanted to take a left-arm pacer. Arjun showed interest (in playing for Goa). So, we invited him.”
