Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma showered praise on Arjun Tendulkar after their 14-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Tuesday. With 20 runs in the bank, while defending 193 in the last over, Rohit threw the ball to Jr. Tendulkar.
And the left-arm seamer delivered under pressure, conceding only four runs in the five balls he bowled. He also took his first-ever IPL wicket as he dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a low full toss to seal off the game for MI.
Tendulkar returned with figures of 1-18 in the 2.5 overs he bowled. In fact, Arjun had conceded 17 runs in the two overs he had bowled on his IPL debut against KKR but had went wicketless.
The 23-year-old was able to nail the wide yorkers in the final over against SRH and successfully defended 20 runs.
Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “Life has come a full circle. Arjun has been a part of this team for three years. He understands what he wants to do. He is quite confident as well. He is clear in his plans. He is trying to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death.”
On the other hand, Rohit added that they are backing the youngsters in the team and they will take a few matches to gain experience. The MI captain also showered praise on Tilak Varma, who scored a blistering knock of 17-ball 37, with the help of two fours and four sixes.
Rohit added, “I have got lot of memories here (in Hyderabad). I played three years here. Won a trophy as well. Love coming back here. To settle them (youngsters) in is important for us. We had a couple of guys who hadn’t played IPL before. We had to back them. They are coming into their own. I am enjoying what I am doing (with the bat). It is a different role. I am trying to set the tempo. Glad to get some scores in the powerplay. I understand one of us has to bat big. We have a long batting line-up. We want these guys to come out and bat freely. We watched Tilak last season. We all know what he can. I love his approach. He doesn’t play the bowler, he plays the ball. We will see him play for a lot of teams.”
Meanwhile, it must also be a proud moment for Sachin Tendulkar to see his son deliver on the big stage.
MI will next play Punjab Kings on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
