If cricket is a religion in India, then Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has arguably earned the status of a demigod for his on-field exploits during his playing days. With his masterful batting and calm demeanour, Tendulkar carried the hopes of a billion fans every time he walked out in the middle with his iconic 'MRF' willow.
We celebrated his hundreds with him and also felt devastated when he wasdismissed. So much so, that when he decided to call it a day in international cricket, an entire nation was overwhelmed by a state of mourning. An icon, a god and a great ambassador of the game walked into the shadows.
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There's no doubt that the name 'Tendulkar' will always remind us all of the greatest batting talent to have graced the game. But, the rapid rise of his young son Arjun has Indian cricket fans excited as they await the return of Tendulkar - a southaw this time.
At the tender age of 18, Arjun is already turning heads with his impeccable bowling skills. The left-arm seamer impressed everyone with a five-for in the Cooch Behar Trophy Under-19 match between Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh recently.
© BCCL
Following a noticeable first-innings lead by Mumbai, Arjun ran through the Madhya Pradesh top-order in the second innings with a brilliant bowling display. He sent opposition's top four batsmen back into the hut before dismissing Madhya Pradesh's No. 9 to complete his five-wicket haul.
Though he couldn't secure a win for his side as the game ended in a closely-contested draw, Arjun's bowling prowess was just too hard to notice. Unlike his father, who made a name by destroying opposition bowlers with his artistry with the willow, Arjun is a southpaw who is making waves for his bowling.
Rising rapidly through the ranks, Arjun was roped in by Team India to help Virat Kohli & Co. to familiarize with the left-arm pace of Trent Boult ahead of their first ODI against New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium. He was seen troubling the likes of Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Kedar Jadhav in Team India's net session.
Sachin Tendulkar's son, Arjun, is one of the net bowlers for India women today. Bowling t Veda here. #WWC17 @ESPNcricinfo pic.twitter.com/M37es7GINf
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) July 22, 2017It wasn't the first time when Arjun had helped his seniors in practice sessions. He had also aided the Indian women's team with his bowling in the nets at the iconic Lord's before their ICC Women's World Cup final against England.
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In July this year, England witnessed an injury scare ahead of the first Test against South Africa after Jonny Bairstow suffered an unexpected knock on his foot. The England batsman was hit by a yorker off Arjun's delivery during a net session at Lord's. Bairstow limped out of the nets after playing just one delivery from the youngster.
Ever since proving his mettle in Mumbai's famed Inter-schools Harris Shield, Arjun has been the subject of immense criticism and scrutiny with the media keeping a close watch on the youngster. As noticed in other cases, a precocious talent cannot bloom naturally like other kids without the burden of a famous surname.
Whether he's on the field or off it, Arjun has already been the victim of high and unfair expectations. Neither those who expect another Sachin Tendulkar in Arjun, nor those venting their anger at him because they couldn't at his father, will do any good. But, Arjun has not allowed those things affect him or his game - a trait he picked up from his father.
© BCCL
While cricket has seen quite a few sons falling quickly by the wayside because the pressure of expectations of having to play a game with a famous surname in which the father had excelled, Arjun's hardwork and dedication has already made him an exception in his own capacity.
His continuous efforts to hone his skills and learn from the best has given the Indian cricket fans a rare opportunity to witness the return of Tendulkar back on the field, only this time as a bowler who is destined to carry the legacy of his famous father.
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