Ashwin Casts Doubt on Arjun Tendulkar's Playing Opportunities at Lucknow Super Giants
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed skepticism about Arjun Tendulkar's chances of securing a spot in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) playing XI for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. With LSG boasting a formidable pace arsenal, Ashwin believes the young bowler may struggle to find opportunities.
LSG's Star-Studded Pace Lineup Poses Challenge
Ashwin highlighted the depth of LSG's fast-bowling unit, which includes prominent names such as Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Singh. In a candid statement on his YouTube channel, Ashwin remarked, "Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there. I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play? I don’t think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries."
Arjun Tendulkar's IPL Journey So Far
Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, was recently traded from Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December. His IPL career began when he was first picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 mini-auction for Rs 20 lakh, though he did not play a game that season. He was bought again by the five-time champions in the IPL 2023 mega-auction for Rs 30 lakh and finally made his long-awaited debut.
In his first IPL outing against Kolkata Knight Riders, Arjun bowled two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket. He featured in four matches that season, managing to take three wickets. In IPL 2024, he played just one match under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, indicating limited game time in recent years.
Ashwin's Bleak Outlook for LSG's Season
Beyond Arjun's prospects, Ashwin also provided a grim assessment of LSG's overall chances in IPL 2026. He stated, "I have pure clarity of the teams that will be in the top three. Four, five, and six is going to be a race, and LSG is not even in that four, five, or six, in my view. They will fall out of the six." This comment comes after LSG endured underwhelming campaigns in the last two seasons, finishing seventh in both IPL 2024 and IPL 2025.
LSG are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, with fans and analysts keenly watching how the team and its players, including Arjun Tendulkar, perform under pressure.
