Arjun Tendulkar emulates Sachin Tendulkar with century on Ranji Trophy debut

The Ranji Trophy encounter between Goa and Rajasthan witnessed a sudden spark of nationwide interest. It was a familiar surname that caught the frenzy of cricket fanatics. Arjun Sachin Tendulkar, making his Ranji Trophy debut for Goa, went on to complete a century in his maiden first-class innings. The left-hander brought up his ton in 178 balls with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. Arjun turned the clock back as he emulated a special feat achieved by his father.

Sachin Tendulkar’s feat

In December 1988, Mumbai picked Sachin Tendulkar for their Ranji Trophy encounter against Gujarat. He was only 15 years old then but the child prodigy was earmarked for tremendous success. The teenager had already plundered plenty of runs in school cricket and had impressed one and all with abundant batting talent. He was finally drafted into the Mumbai Ranji Team which was known as the giant of domestic cricket.

Against Gujarat at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai captain Lalchand Rajput chose to bat first. He and Alan Sippy added 159 runs for the second wicket before Rajput was run out for 99. The captain’s dismissal brought out number four, Sachin Tendulkar, to the crease. The 15-year old debutant notched up his maiden first-class century the next day. Mumbai declared on the score of 394/6 with Tendulkar batting on 100 not out from 129 deliveries.

Arjun Tendulkar steps up for Goa

Goa faced Rajasthan in their opening encounter of the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy. At Goa Cricket Association Academy, Porvorim, Rajasthan won the toss and asked Goa to bat first. On the opening day, the home side lost their top five for a score of 201. Arjun Tendulkar, the debutant batting at number seven, now joined Suyash Prabhudessai who was playing a fluent knock.

The duo not only rescued Goa but also put them in a commanding position. Following in his father’s footsteps, Arjun also struck a century on his Ranji Trophy debut. The 23-year old shifted his allegiance to Goa this year after representing Mumbai in T20 cricket.