Arjun Tendulkar bags nine-wicket haul in KSCA tournament

India’s domestic season has commenced with the red-ball format being in the spotlight. Indian players are participating in tournaments nationwide to hone their skills and climb the pecking order. Some are targeting the Indian team, while others are looking to seal their spots in their domestic sides for the prestigious Ranji Trophy.

Arjun Tendulkar has enhanced his reputation with a scintillating performance in the ongoing Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament, also known as the KSCA Invitational. Representing Goa CA XI against Karnataka, the left-arm speedster took nine wickets in the match and orchestrated a comprehensive win for his team by an innings and 189 runs.

In the first innings, Tendulkar finished with figures of 5/41 in 13 overs as Karnataka were all out for only 103 in 36.5 overs. Goa went on to amass 413 in their first innings, with Abhinav Tejrana (109) scoring a ton and Manthan Khutkar contributing with a half-century (69). Trailing by 310 runs, Karnataka was then rolled over for 121 in 30.4 overs with Tendulkar bagging figures of 4/46 in his 13.3 overs.

Can this be Arjun Tendulkar’s year in domestic cricket?

After plying his trade in Mumbai during his younger days, Tendulkar moved to Goa ahead of the 2022/23 season to get a taste of Ranji Trophy cricket. The youngster played 13 first-class matches and took 21 wickets at an average of 45.19. Tendulkar has also represented the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in five games, four in 2023 and one in 2024.

While the 24-year-old hasn’t played too many matches in the Indian Premier League, he has garnered words of praise from former Mumbai Indians captain and current India skipper Rohit Sharma.

“Arjun has been a part of this team for the last three years [though he didn’t make the XI]. I have seen him grow over the years,” Rohit had said about the talented cricketer.

“We saw in this lead up to the IPL what he was doing; he was bowling fast, nailing those yorkers, and quite clear in his plans as well. Keeping things easy – that’s what he is trying to do [for the team]. He is trying to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death,” Rohit added.