• Mumbai Indians’ decision to reacquire Arjun Tendulkar reignited nepotism accusation.

  • Fans questioned whether his selection was based on merit or his family name.

‘Nepotism’: Fans roast MI over Arjun Tendulkar’s last-minute-selection in the IPL 2025 mega auction
Sachin Tendulkar (Image Source: X)

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction delivered a surprising twist in the career of Arjun Tendulkar, the son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who had previously played for the Mumbai Indians (MI), found himself unsold in the initial round of bidding. Despite his prior association with Mumbai Indians and expectations that the franchise would pick him up at the base price of INR 30 lakh, no team showed any interest when his name was first called.

However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when Arjun’s name reappeared in the accelerated auction round. This time, Mumbai Indians stepped forward and secured him for his base price of INR 30 lakh. The franchise’s move sparked intense discussions, with many questioning whether this acquisition was purely merit-based or a result of his father’s legacy.

Limited opportunities for Arjun Tendulkar under Hardik Pandya’s leadership

Arjun’s journey with Mumbai began two seasons prior. In IPL 2023, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Arjun finally got his first IPL opportunity. He showcased glimpses of promise, notably taking his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite these encouraging signs, he struggled to cement his place in the playing XI.

The situation worsened in IPL 2024, when Hardik Pandya took over as Mumbai Indians’ captain. Arjun did not play a single match that season, raising questions about his development and the team’s faith in his abilities. Many cricketing experts speculated that the lack of playing time hindered his growth as a cricketer and diminished his chances of proving his talent on the grand stage.

In the 2025 auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had raised the base price for uncapped players from INR 20 lakh to INR 30 lakh, which made Arjun’s situation even more challenging. Despite this, Mumbai Indians ultimately brought him back, signifying their belief in his potential to contribute to the team.

Also READ: Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

Nepotism allegations spark controversy

Mumbai’s decision to reacquire Arjun reignited nepotism accusations, with critics questioning whether his selection was based on merit or his family name. Social media platforms were rife with comments trolling both Sachin and the Mumbai management for allegedly prioritizing legacy over performance. Some critics pointed out that Arjun’s lack of regular playing time in previous seasons did not justify his continued presence in the squad.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Transition to fast bowling and domestic cricket

Unlike his father, who is regarded as one of the greatest batter in cricket history, Arjun is carving out a path as a fast bowler. While primarily a bowler, he occasionally contributes with the bat as well. Initially, he played domestic cricket for Mumbai, but due to limited opportunities in the talent-rich Mumbai setup, he made a move to Goa to gain more consistent playing time. His performances in Goa showcased his determination and skill, but he has yet to demonstrate the consistency required to make an impact at the IPL level. In his limited IPL career so far, Arjun has played five matches, scoring 13 runs and picking up three wickets.

The path forward for Arjun Tendulkar

Arjun’s return to the Mumbai offers him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in the world’s most competitive cricket league. The five-time IPL champions, led by Hardik, will likely provide him with chances to develop and perform under the guidance of their experienced coaching staff. The upcoming IPL season will be a crucial test for Arjun, as he strives to establish himself as a capable all-rounder and silence critics questioning his place in professional cricket. Whether he will thrive under the spotlight or succumb to the immense pressure remains to be seen, but the cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching his journey closely.

Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.