23 March,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Atharva Upasani
Ravi Ashwin and Arjun Tendulkar (Pic: Youtube and X/LSG)
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin gave his blunt opinion when asked about Arjun Tendulkar's chances of playing for LSG. Ashwin was previewing the IPL season and admitted that he does not see Arjun starting games for Lucknow Super Giants.
Arjun joined MI in 2021 and played five games for the franchise before leaving after a five-year tenure. The all-rounder has joined the Rishabh Pant-led LSG team in a trade agreement from MI before the start of the season.
Although Arjun joined LSG for more game time, Ashwin claimed that it would take something extraordinary for him to start matches for LSG.
"Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won't play at all), and let's not even go there. I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play? I don't think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries," said Ashwin in an interaction on his YouTube channel.
Ahead of IPL 2026, LSG strengthened their speed attack after battling with an injury crisis among their fast bowling squad the previous season. In addition to Arjun, they acquired seasoned Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) through a trade.
In the meantime, they bought Anrich Nortje at auction. Mayank Yadav played just two games last season, and Mohsin Khan missed the whole season due to an injury. But this time, both are fit. Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, and Akash Singh are further pace-bowling alternatives for LSG
LSG will kickstart their campaign on 1st April against the Delhi Capitals in a clash at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The Rishabh Pant-led side will hope for a maiden triumph during the 2026 season.
Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mohammed Shami, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Josh Inglis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mohsin Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arjun Tendulkar, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Arshin Kulkarni, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Naman Tiwari, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh.
