Ashwin reverses stance on Arjun Tendulkar, expresses admiration: 'He does not back down'

Arjun Tendulkar's move to the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 became a major talking point. Acquired for INR 30 lakh, he had shown promise in the domestic circuit but struggled to make a significant impact during his stint with the Mumbai Indians.

Before the IPL 2026 season started, R Ashwin had delivered a brutal verdict, suggesting that Arjun may not get a game at all due to Lucknow's potent fast-bowling depth.

But Arjun eventually made his debut for LSG on Sunday against the Punjab Kings at the Ekana Stadium, producing an impressive outing. 

Ashwin left in awe of Arjun's skills

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the left-arm pacer's work ethic and mental resilience. He also acknowledged the difficulty of Arjun’s journey, given constant comparisons with his father, Sachin Tendulkar, who heaped laurels over his son's debut with Lucknow.

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“I won’t talk about his skill. But his journey is not easy because he will always be compared to his father. However, I will say two things about him — he is extremely hard-working and does not back down from a contest. After bowling, he gives you a stare. Even if you hit him for a four or six, he comes back harder. Those are two qualities you have to give the kid credit for,” Ashwin said.

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'Hope he goes on to play more games'

Ashwin also reflected upon the statement he made about Arjun before the season started and admitted that his debut would sum up LSG's wayward season. But he remains hopeful that the seamer would receive more opportunities after an impressive debut.

“Look at the fast-bowling depth in the LSG squad, yet Arjun managed to get a debut game. That tells you the story of their season. Had things gone according to plan, he probably would not have played, and I said that at the start. But now that he has got his chance and proved himself, I hope he goes on to play more games,” he added.

Ashwin was particularly impressed with Arjun's skill and execution with the "bodyline bouncer" against Prabhsimran Singh. While Rishabh Pant dropped the catch, the veteran spinner emphasised that the pacer "identified the weakness, executed the plan and then nailed the yorker," making his performance notably impressive for a debut outing.

Arjun returned figures of 1/36 in four overs on his LSG debut, dismissing Prabhsimran with a precise yorker for LBW.