Arjun Tendulkar scores century on Ranji Trophy debut, emulates father Sachin
Arjun Tendulkar recorded his maiden first-class century on Ranji Trophy – and first-class – debut on Wednesday, thus emulating his father, Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin had scored his maiden first-class century on debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in 1988, against Gujarat, as a 15-year-old. Thirty-four years later, 23-year-old Arjun, whose primary role is that of a fast bowler, hit 120 off 207 balls on day two of Goa’s game against Rajasthan, at Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground in Porvorim.
Coming into bat at No. 7 at the fall of wicketkeeper-batter Eknath Kerkar’s wicket on the first day with the score on 201 for 5, Arjun was unbeaten on four off 12 balls overnight. On the second day, he went on to stitch together a 221-run partnership with the other overnight batter Suyash Prabhudessai, who hit 212 off 416 balls – his maiden first-class double-ton.
By the time stumps were called, Goa had racked up 493 for 8 in 163.2 overs against a Rajasthan unit that had the likes of Aniket Choudhary and Kamlesh Nagarkoti in their ranks.
Arjun had moved to Goa from Mumbai at the start of the season, searching for more opportunities to play. He had played only two T20s for Mumbai before making the shift.
Arjun started off his stint with Goa in promising fashion in the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, returning ten wickets in seven outings with an impressive economy rate of 5.69. He was Goa’s second highest wicket-taker in the tournament behind Lakshay Garg. Arjun also played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-dayers this season and finished as Goa’s leading wicket-taker, returning seven wickets in eight outings at an average of 32.37 and an economy rate of 4.98.
Arjun is part of Mumbai Indians in the IPL but is yet to feature in a game for them.
