Arjun Tendulkar to play for Goa in 2022-23: report
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New Delhi: Son of the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Arjun Tendulkar, will be playing for Goa in the 2022-23 domestic season, leaving Mumbai, IANS reported.
Cricbuzz reported that Arjun, who had appeared for Mumbai in a couple of T20 games, was seen in the nets for Goa and will be signing for the team soon.
Sachin Tendulkar said, "Getting maximum game time on the ground is important for Arjun at this juncture of his career. We believe that the shift will improve the probability of Arjun featuring in more competitive matches. He is embarking on a new phase of his cricketing career."
Meanwhile, Goa Cricket Association president Suraj Lotilkar said that the team is looking for a left-arm pacer, and Arjun is one.
"We are in need of a left-arm pacer, and Arjun has shown interest. We generally recruit professionals, and if he suits our team's requirements, he will be picked. It is up to our selectors," he said.
Mumbai has enough quality talent available, and therefore, a 22-year-old might not reach the XI at any stage. He was part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad in the league stages last season but could not make the cut for the knockouts.
According to Mumbai chief selector Salil Ankola, Arjun's new move might boost his career. "We picked him for the Ranji Trophy last year, but he could not make the XI. He is an extremely talented boy, and all he needs is some match time so that he can prove his abilities. I hope this switch will serve that purpose," said Ankola.
The domestic season starts on September 8 this year, but the real inter-state competition that can provide an opportunity for Arjun will be in two months when the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy gets underway from October 11 to 22 (league stage).
Goa finished fourth in Elite Group D of the Ranji Trophy last season with one draw and two losses. The country's premier domestic cricket tournament starts on December 13 this year.