IPL 2023: Our plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play – Arjun Tendulkar

Mumbai Indians rookie fast bowler Arjun Tendulkar revealed his plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play after they registered a 14-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Tuesday.

After conceding only 14 runs in his first two overs, Arjun Tendulkar was given the task of defending 20 runs in the final over by skipper Rohit Sharma, with Abdul Samad and Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the crease. However, the youngster kept his cool and nailed the wide yorkers to deliver for his team.

Abdul Samad was run out while attempting to come for the second whereas Arjun Tendulkar dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who became his first-ever victim in the IPL. Tendulkar Jr. conceded only four runs in his final over and returned with impressive figures of 1-18 in the 2.5 overs he bowled in his second IPL game.

Arjun Tendulkar said while talking to the official broadcasters after the game, “Obviously it was great getting my first IPL wicket. I just had to focus on what was in hand, the plan and executing it. Our plan was just to bowl wide and get the long boundary into play, make the batsman hit it to the longer side. I love bowling, I am happy to bowl anytime the captain asks me to and just stick to the team plan and give my best. We (Sachin Tendulkar and him) talk about cricket, we discuss tactics before the game and he tells me to back what I practise every game. I just focused on my release, bowling good lengths and lines upfront. If it swings, it’s a bonus, if it doesn’t, so be it.”

Arjun had conceded 17 runs in the two overs he bowled in his IPL debut against KKR but went wicketless.

On the other hand, Cameron Green scored 64 runs from 40 balls and played an instrumental role in helping MI post a par score of 192 runs on the board. Green was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock.

He said after the game, “I think first couple of games were a learning curve for me and our team. Bit of a sticky situation (when I walked out to bat). But glad the plans came off. I am a work in progress with my bowling at the death. Obviously, we can continue with the winning momentum.”

MI will next play Punjab Kings on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.