Installation IPL 2026 The season took an explosive turn, not because of the action on the field, but because of a heated war of words involving two of Indian cricket’s most outspoken personalities. Controversy has ignited the veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared a sharp assessment about Arjun Tendulkars prospects in the new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This led to a fiery rebuttal Yograj Singhformer Indian cricketer and renowned coach who used to work with Arjun to improve his skills. As LSG prepares for a new chapter in their revamped roster, debate over the young all-rounder’s place in the side has been at the center of pre-season discussions.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s tactical approach to Arjun Tendulkar’s narrow path to LSG XI
Known for his deep analytical approach to the game, Ashwin recently sparked debate when he discussed Lucknow Super Giants’ likely starting line-up for the 2026 season. After a trade that saw Arjun move Mumbai Indians to LSG in return Shardul Thakurmany wondered if the change of scenery would provide the left-handed seamer with more playing time. However, Ashwin dismissed the idea, citing the depth of the Lucknow pace attack.
“Arjun Tendulkar is not playing (Arjun Tendulkar definitely won’t play),” Ashwin noted, stressing that the competition for spots is simply too tough. Ashwin pointed to a formidable pace battery of veterans. Muhammad Shamiexpress pace Mayank Yadavand a trusted duo Mohsen Khan and Avesh Khan. According to Ashwin, when such high-caliber options are available, the tactical room to include Arjun, who has taken only three wickets in five IPL games so far, is virtually non-existent. The numbers for Ashwin and the depth of the roster suggest that Arjun will remain a bench option for the upcoming season.
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Yograj Singh accuses Ashwin of not releasing Arjun in preparation for IPL 2026.
Yograj, never one to mince words, took a serious dig at Ashwin’s dismissal of the young cricketer from public duty. Speaking to InsideSport, Yograj lashed out at the veteran off-spinner and questioned his right to pass such a strong judgment on an emerging player.
He argued that Ashwin should be more careful about how he talks about an individual’s career and potential. Yograj, expressed his disdain for the experts who criticized the players on television.He needs to know what to talk to. Someone’s sitting on the TV talking, ‘Oh, he can’t do this, he can’t do that. who are you what are you“
Yograj’s defense went beyond mere rhetoric; he provided a technical perspective on the evolution of Arjun. Yograj, who has mentored Arjun in the past, revealed that many view the youngster through the wrong lens. He revealed that Arjun used to struggle with a spinal problem that affected his bowling mechanics, particularly his arm path.
“He is the son of Sachin Tendulkar; that’s another story. When he was here I told Yuvi that you all are focusing on wrong Arjun Tendulkar. Not a bowler, he had a problem with his spine and his hands drop below 45 degrees“, Yograj added, saying that Arjun’s true potential as an all-rounder is often overshadowed by the weight of his surname.
Despite Arjun’s modest comeback for Goa in the 2025-26 domestic season, he has struggled for consistency in both teams. Vijay Hazare and Ranji trophiesYograj remains adamant that young Tendulkar has untapped talent that critics like Ashwin have failed to see.
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