Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tim David applauded Arjun Tendulkar as he played his first game for MI in Indian Premier League (IPL). David says he was aware of Arjun’s debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) game in IPL 2023, whereas the left-arm pacer bowled 2 overs in his first game.
Meanwhile, the five times champions side now has won two games in four matches it played this season, with the last victory against KKR by five wickets.
Tim David says Arjun Tendulkar did an impressive job in his debut game-
“I thought he did a great job when he started bowling the first over. He swung the ball a lot as I stood next to him. As far as conversations go, I stood in the huddle when he was given his first cap. That’s when I was aware of it, but I think it’s great and awesome for him. He’ll build a lot of confidence from that performance,” David said.
While, in the game MI’s regular skipper Rohit Sharma didn’t lead the side, as Suryakumar Yadav was captaining the game, and left-arm pacer Tendulkar opened the bowling for the Surya-led side, while junior Tendulkar didn’t get any wicket in his spell but he came close to get a wicket on two-three occasion especially in first over, as he brought the ball in towards right-handed batter.
Arjun Tendulkar made his IPL debut for @mipaltan on Sunday as the legendary @sachin_rt watched his son from the confines of the dressing room ????
Here is the father-son duo expressing their emotions after what was a proud moment for the Tendulkar household?? – By @28anand pic.twitter.com/Lb6isgA6eH
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2023
In, Arjun’s 4th ball in the first over, the ball struck on KKR opener Narayan Jagadeesan’s pad, and an LBW appeal was made, but the umpire gave not out, MI skipper Surya didn’t take Decision Review System (DRS), later it was shown that ball was missing stumps as it would go above the stumps, while Jr. Tendulkar registered the figure of 0/17, in the two overs he bowled in the match.
“He wasn’t feeling so well. He batted nicely and it’s just smart management. I think when it’s so hot like that, it’s better to be just smart about it,” David said about Rohit.
Indian skipper, Rohit didn’t feature in the MI squad but he was named as one of the five ‘Impact Players’, so he later came in when the home side came to chase down the target of 186 runs against Nitish Rana-led side at Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai.
Rohit was dismissed on KKR’s ‘Impact Player’ Suyash Sharma delivery on 20 (13), as MI made the opening stand of 65, later with opener Ishan Kishan’s 58(25), and stand in skipper’s effort of 43 (25), also with Tim David’s unbeatable mark of 24* (13), MI chased down the target with 14 balls remaining.
While in the first innings, the home side invited two-time champions to bat first, from their side, Venkatesh Iyer came at one down position after Narayan was dismissed in 2nd over of the game by Cameron Green, so with Iyer’s brilliant 104 (51), KKR reached 185/6 after the end of 20 overs.
“He (Venkatesh) played a great innings. He started so quickly. Any time the player gets a 100, it is special. So, for him to play that way, I’m sure he feels good about it. But again, for us to overcome that century and to win the game, that’s really pleasing for us,” David concluded.
Now, in IPL 2023 for their 5th game of the season, MI will take on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 at Hyderabad.
Also read: IPL 2023: That Will Be A Perfect Start For Us – Tim David On Mumbai Indians’ Plan Against KKR