Former India spinner R Ashwin applauded Arjun Tendulkar for his grit and determination after his IPL 2026 debut for LSG during the match against Punjab Kings on Saturday as well. Although LSG faced yet another loss, Arjun finished with figures of 1/36 in 4 overs and dismissed Prabhsimran Singh.

“I won’t talk about his skill. But his journey is not easy because he will always be compared to his father. However, I will say two things about him — he is extremely hard-working and does not back down from a contest. After bowling, he gives you a stare. Even if you hit him for a four or six, he comes back harder. Those are two qualities you have to give the kid credit for,” R Ashwin said on YouTube.

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“That yorker actually reversed. I also saw videos on social media of him practising yorkers extensively. But the one thing that truly impressed me was the bodyline bouncer to Prabhsimran. That is never easy for a batter. There was a top edge and Pant could not hold on to the catch, but Arjun identified the weakness, executed the plan and then nailed the yorker as well. For someone playing his first game of the season, that was very impressive,” R Ashwin further added.

However, R Ashwin earlier predicted that Arjun would not get any chances this season, considering the pace bowling depth in the LSG squad as well.

“Look at the fast-bowling depth in the LSG squad, yet Arjun managed to get a debut game. That tells you the story of their season. Had things gone according to plan, he probably would not have played, and I said that at the start. But now that he has got his chance and proved himself, I hope he goes on to play more games,” he concluded.