Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar recently sat down for an honest and wide-ranging conversation on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast. Currently preparing for his debut with LSG in IPL 2026, Arjun shared surprising personal details that most fans did not expect. Furthermore, the interview revealed a side of Sachin Tendulkar’s son that goes far beyond cricket. Specifically, his candid admission about having no cricketer friends caught the attention of fans and cricket observers alike.
Five Dogs and a Home in Goa Keep Him Grounded
When asked how he manages to stay calm and composed despite the enormous pressure surrounding his name, Arjun gave a refreshingly simple answer. Specifically, he revealed that he owns five dogs at his home in Goa and spends quality time playing with them to decompress. Additionally, this lifestyle choice reflects a deliberate decision to stay away from the noise and scrutiny that follows his famous surname everywhere he goes. Together, his Goa home and his dogs serve as his primary source of peace and mental balance.
No Cricketer Friends, And He Is Comfortable With That
One of the most talked-about moments from the interview came when Shubhankar asked Arjun directly whether he maintains friendships with fellow cricketers. Arjun replied plainly that he does not really have cricketer friends and that most of his friends do not play cricket at all. Furthermore, he added that his friends do not even know much about the game. Consequently, this admission surprised many, given that Arjun has spent years inside the cricketing ecosystem as Sachin Tendulkar’s son and a professional player himself.
Fears No Criticism Despite Years of Trolling
Over the years, Arjun has faced significant trolling on social media. Specifically, fans and critics consistently compare him to his father, one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen, and hold him to an impossibly high standard. However, when asked directly whether he fears criticism, Arjun replied with quiet confidence that he does not. Additionally, this response reflects a maturity that goes beyond his years as a professional cricketer still finding his footing in the sport.
From Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants
Arjun spent several seasons at Mumbai Indians but struggled to find consistent opportunities in the playing eleven. Specifically, the presence of world-class pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult limited his chances to make a meaningful impact. Consequently, MI traded him to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026. However, LSG also boasts a formidable pace attack including Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje. Therefore, his path to regular playing time will require him to prove his value, potentially through his batting in the lower-middle order.
Yuvraj Singh Was His Idol, But Not for His Bowling
The interview also touched on who Arjun idolised growing up beyond his father. Specifically, Arjun named Yuvraj Singh as the player he admired most during his formative years. Furthermore, when asked whether it was Yuvraj’s bowling that he admired, Arjun smiled and pointed out a key difference, Yuvraj was a spinner while he himself is a pacer. Together, these small moments of wit and self-awareness from the interview painted a picture of a young cricketer quietly comfortable in his own identity, separate from the legend of his father.
