The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction made a surprising turn in his career Arjun Tendulkarson of a cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun had played earlier too Mumbai Indians (MI)found itself unsold in the initial round of bidding. Despite his previous association with Mumbai Indians and the franchise’s expectation of signing him for a base price of INR 30 lakh, no team showed interest when his name was first floated.
But the story took an unexpected turn when Arjun’s name reappeared in the accelerated auction round. This time, Mumbai Indians have stepped forward and secured it at a base price of INR 30 lakhs. The move by the franchise sparked intense debate, with many questioning whether the acquisition was purely based on merit or a result of his father’s legacy.
Limited opportunities for Arjun Tendulkar under Hardik Pandya
Arjun’s journey with Mumbai started two seasons ago. In IPL 2023, under his captaincy Rohit SharmaArjun finally got his first IPL opportunity. He showed his promise, especially taking his first IPL wicket with a dismissal Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite these encouraging signs, he struggled to cement his place in the playing XI.
Things got worse in IPL 2024 Hardik Pandya He took over as the captain of Mumbai Indians. Arjun didn’t play a single game that season, raising questions about his development and the team’s confidence in his abilities. Many cricket experts felt that the lack of playing time hindered his growth as a cricketer and reduced his chances to prove his talent on the big stage.
At the 2025 auction Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) It raised the base price from INR 20 lakh to INR 30 lakh for non-gate players, making Arjun’s situation even more difficult. Nevertheless, Mumbai Indians eventually brought him back and expressed their belief in his potential to contribute to the team.
Also READ: Complete squads of all 10 teams after IPL 2025 mega auction
Allegations of nepotism are controversial
Mumbai’s decision to reclaim Arjun has been rekindled accusations of nepotismcritics question whether his selection was based on merit or family name. Social media platforms were abuzz with trolling comments as they favored both Sachin and the Mumbai management over legacy performance. Some critics pointed out that Arjun’s lack of regularity in previous seasons did not justify his retention in the squad.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
MI buying Arjun Tendulkar every year is mainly Laadla Beta Yojna by Ambanis. #IPAuctions2025
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar wins
30LPA every year without learning any coding #IPLAuction– JT. (@coffeecudka) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar sold to Mumbai Indians for 30 lacs
pic.twitter.com/JykjMMV4eM
— Pulkit
(@pulkit5Dx) November 25, 2024
Arjun Tendulkar pic.twitter.com/kQPi93R0qC
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) November 25, 2024
This Tendulkar-MI Employment Guarantee Scheme is very bad to say the least. It’s amazing that this happens out in the open and everyone smiles and carries on. Non-serious.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) November 25, 2024
Whatever Arjun does, he can never escape the shadow of legend Sachin Tendulkar! And with that shadow comes the burden of expectations that it can never fulfill. Arjun is talented. But not as much as people want to testify about him… Just because of his Hair… https://t.co/aJXuCMnzZZ
— Alok Mishra (@PoetAlok_Mishra) November 25, 2024
So Arjun Tendulkar is sold but David Warner and Kane Williamson are not…seriously????#IPAuctions2025
— CA Prachi Tripathi (@prachitripath1) November 26, 2024
To get Sachin Tendulkar services and brand value in IPL at a very discounted price, MI signs Arjun Tendulkar for 30L every season!
Bribery
— Gss
Nepotism and middle-order cricketer Arjun Tendulkar’s name did not figure in the accelerated auction. But there is nothing to worry Papa Sachin Tendulkar will compensate it with a gift of 10 cr as pocket money
— Troll Cricket Unlimited (@TUnlimitedd) November 25, 2024
Love the camaraderie with Tendulkar and MI.
Sachin: “Do you want me to be the ambassador of MI? Well, you must always buy my son, no matter how much money or how many ponies he has.” pic.twitter.com/rjzvILvjku
— The Cricket Podcast (@TheCricketPod) November 25, 2024
Mallika Sagar actually called him ‘Mumbai Tendulkar’ while proposing to Arjun
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) November 25, 2024
Switch to fast bowling and domestic cricket
Unlike his father, who is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Arjun makes his way as a fast bowler. Although he is primarily a bowler, he also helps out with the bat at times. First he played domestic cricket mumbaibut due to limited opportunities in the talent rich Mumbai setup, he took a step Goa to gain more consistent playing time. His performances in Goa showed his determination and ability, but he is yet to show the consistency required to make an impact at the IPL level. So far in his limited overs IPL career, Arjun has played five games, scoring 13 runs and three wickets.
Way forward for Arjun Tendulkar
Arjun’s return to Mumbai offers him a new opportunity to showcase his skills in the world’s most competitive cricket league. The five-time IPL champions under Hardik are likely to give him a chance to thrive and perform under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff. The upcoming IPL season will be a crucial test for Arjun as he looks to establish himself as a capable all-rounder and silence critics who question his place in professional cricket. It remains to be seen whether he will thrive in the spotlight or succumb to the immense pressure, but the cricketing world will surely be following his journey closely.
