Why Isn’t Arjun Tendulkar Playing in IPL 2025? A Closer Look at Mumbai Indians’ Team Dynamics
Why Isn’t Arjun Tendulkar Playing in IPL 2025? A Closer Look at Mumbai Indians’ Team Dynamics
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is underway, and Mumbai Indians (MI), one of the IPL’s most decorated franchises, are once again making headlines. Yet, amid their pursuit of another title, a persistent question lingers: Why isn’t Arjun Tendulkar getting a chance to play? As the son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun carries a legacy that fuels curiosity and debate. Let’s explore why he’s still warming the bench and what it reveals about MI’s strategy.
Arjun Tendulkar’s IPL Journey So Far
Arjun Tendulkar, a left-arm pacer with lower-order batting potential, joined Mumbai Indians in 2021. Since then, he’s appeared in just five IPL matches, claiming three wickets at an economy rate of 9.6. Retained by MI for Rs 30 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, his involvement this season has been nonexistent—MI have played three matches as of March 31, 2025, and Arjun hasn’t featured once. What’s keeping him out?
Fierce Competition in the Bowling Lineup
MI’s pace attack is stacked with talent, which seems to be a major hurdle for Arjun. The team boasts Trent Boult (signed for Rs 12.5 crore) and Deepak Chahar, alongside rising stars like Ashwani Kumar and Satyanarayan Raju. Ashwani Kumar, for instance, stole the show on his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium, taking four wickets to clinch MI’s first victory of the season. This standout performance highlights why MI are favoring in-form players over Arjun.
Captain Hardik Pandya appears to trust the likes of Kumar, Raju, and Vignesh Puthur, who’ve earned early nods. With Boult anchoring the left-arm pace role—a position Arjun could occupy—the management is leaning on experience and momentum rather than untested potential.
Tactical Choices Over Sentiment
MI’s team selections are driven by match conditions, and Arjun hasn’t fit the bill so far. In their opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on a spin-friendly Chepauk pitch, MI bypassed Arjun’s pace for debutant Satyanarayan Raju and spinner Vignesh Puthur, who took three wickets. The trend continued in losses to Gujarat Titans (GT) and the win against KKR, with Pandya sticking to combinations that exclude Arjun. After a rocky start to IPL 2025—losing their first two games—Pandya is prioritizing immediate results over experimentation.
Performance Under the Microscope
Arjun’s IPL numbers—three wickets in five games and a 9.6 economy—don’t scream “must-pick.” While he’s shown flashes of brilliance in domestic cricket, like his First-Class century for Goa in 2022, his T20 game hasn’t fully clicked. Compared to breakout performers like Ashwani Kumar, Arjun’s lack of consistent impact may explain MI’s hesitation. Add the pressure of being Sachin’s son, and the team might be shielding him until he’s undeniably ready.
What’s Next for Arjun and MI?
For Mumbai Indians, the focus is on stabilizing their campaign. With stars like Jasprit Bumrah (currently injured), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, the squad has depth but little room for risks. Arjun’s exclusion reflects a practical choice—leaning on proven players rather than developing talent mid-season.
For Arjun, at 25, time is still on his side. His domestic record hints at untapped potential, but breaking into MI’s XI might require a standout T20 showing elsewhere or an opportunity born from injuries. Patience could be his ally.
Final Thoughts
Arjun Tendulkar’s absence from IPL 2025’s early games isn’t a verdict on his skill but a snapshot of MI’s current priorities. Hardik Pandya, under pressure after IPL 2024, is playing it safe. Whether Arjun gets a chance later depends on how the season unfolds—perhaps a tactical shift or injury could open the door. For now, MI fans might need to wait to see the Tendulkar legacy in action. What’s your take—should MI roll the dice on Arjun, or are they right to stick with their winners? Let me know in the comments!
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