Sachin Tendulkar’s Son, Arjun Tendulkar has been Picked for India Under-19 Squad

India continues to hold an edge over other sub-continental sides in this part of the cricketing world. Despite there being talented sides in the form of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, India enforces by sheer talent and will- a formidable force in the Asian subcontinent. In this regard, of paramount importance is the sheer amassment of talent that India has.

Among them, is one Arjun Tendulkar.

You know the princely, rather ‘godly’ background he holds. You also know the great lineage he’s slated to represent. And possibly by now, there being no dearth in comparison with arguably among the greatest surname in the history of cricket- you are aware of the importance that cricket by default brings Arjun Tendulkar.

But did you know that perhaps the first and formidable cricketing break for Arjun Tendulkar just arrived? Picked by the Under-19 squad slated to travel to Sri Lanka, it is a matter of sheer joy for Arjun Tendulkar that he has been picked. That said, the great opportunity to represent the Indian Under-19 squad to Sri Lanka, also brings the possibility for the young talent to turn around an important corner in his career.

Should Arjun get a game down in Sri Lanka, he would want to make it count in the island paradise that thrives on Cricket. Above all, it might be an important vehicle for Arjun to cement his international hopes. After all, every talented prospect wishes to represent his country at the international arena. Hopes are raised, expectations fueled and, in the same instant of debuting at a big stage, initial saplings to a possible rich harvest ahead are sown.

Arjun Tendulkar might be staring at a gargantuan future, provided he is able to perform in Sri Lanka. Thus far, true to the comparisons that are levelled against grandiose cricketing surnames, the left arm seamer hasn’t managed to duck the comparisons the public has waged with his father, who needs no introduction.

Even as Sachin Tendulkar has been called and continues to be celebrated as the ‘God of Cricket’, it is important to remember something else, albeit something profound. Needless to say that Sachin Tendulkar’s presence in the game is a giant one, which is celebrated continually well into 6 years of his retirement. But, at the same time, it stands the risk of high-jacking the light from Arjun’s career. While a comparison is a natural scheme of things especially when a glorious predecessor walks through into the annals of the game, it is but important to ask for some clemency for the name following.

At this stage of his career, when a young talent is about to enter the great tunnel of challenge and onerous pressures, is it fair on the public’s part to subject Arjun to such pressure?

The general public that has already shown glimpses of polarisation on Arjun Tendulkar on the social media, some going as far as making the teenager a subject of troll, which is tantamount to completely sidelining the Mumbaikar for no fault of his own. While some feel his mere presence on the cricketing circle isn’t a great prospect for the sport, in general, citing other talents being around stood a better chance in the game, perhaps, there’s a sense in waiting for the talent to flower and mushroom.

What matters most in the game isn’t where you are born or what surname you inherit, rather what you extend to the sport. So even as comparisons are gaining ground in pitting an Arjun Tendulkar who is yet to birth in the sport in the real sense of the word alongside his father, maybe the greatest reward for the cricket-frenzy public is to wait for the prospect to deliver. For the sheer concern of a cliche being in it, there’s a sense in the wisdom to learn that every flower was once a bud.