IPL 2026 trade: Analysing why Arjun Tendulkar's potential move from MI to LSG is the right option

Arjun Tendulkar for Mumbai Indians - (Source: AFP)

The preparations for IPL 2026 are in full swing, and all ten franchises are quite active in the market even before the auction. November 15 is the last date to announce the retention list, and the auction is scheduled to take place in December 2025. 

Besides the ongoing Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja trade, rumours suggest that the five-time winner, the Mumbai Indians, have also jumped onto the scene and are looking to bring in LSG's Shardul Thakur by swapping Arjun Tendulkar.

Tendulkar's journey with Mumbai Indians

The 26-year-old has been with Mumbai Indians since 2021 but made his IPL debut in 2023. The southpaw has featured in just five matches, but boasts a terrible record with just three wickets and 13 runs with the bat.

Tendulkar was criticised for a lack of pace and variety, and further trolled for favouritism. Despite the trolls, Lucknow Super Giants have shown interest in the left-arm seamer, and this article will reflect on why it is a great move for LSG and also for Tendulkar.

1. A great all-rounding option

Tendulkar has often been trolled more than required, as the 26-year-old is a great talent. There is certainly pressure when you are Sachin Tendulkar's son, and no doubt Arjun is far from coming close to his father's legacy, but if we remove that aspect, then the southpaw has done well for himself and can be a great fit for any team.

Tendulkar has faced criticism for being slow and not taking wickets, but the critics have often sidelined the fact that the 26-year-old can bat and holds the potential to be one of the great No.8 or No.9 for any team. 

Tendulkar provides the flexibility to score crucial 15-20 runs towards the end of the innings that can be the deciding factor in a match. It is worth noting that Tendulkar scored a century during the Ranji Trophy 2022-23. It was followed by two fifty-plus scores in the 2024 Ranji Trophy.

2. Remarkable recent form 

Tendulkar has got off to a flying start to the new domestic season, which has actually caught LSG's attention as the left-arm seamer has taken 10 wickets in just seven innings in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025. The 26-year-old has a strike-rate of 70 and an economy of 3.69, which includes a three-wicket haul. 

Further, Tendulkar has also been consistent and took 16 wickets in eight innings in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, which included a five-wicket haul. Even with the bat, Tendulkar has scored 49 runs in four innings, which includes a 47-run knock against Karnataka.

Let's look at Tendulkar's recent performance in Ranji Trophy 2025

3. Less pressure at LSG

Tendulkar holds a lot of pressure in his name, given he is the son of arguably the greatest cricketer on earth. Further, his presence at MI made him a lot more nervous because of the brand value.

MI enjoys a great fanbase and are the five-time IPL winners. Thus, Tendulkar struggled for a place as they were already equipped with world-class bowlers. 

However, such is not the case at LSG. The Rishabh Pant-led side lacks quality bowlers, and to have a great talent like Arjun, who can bat as well, will be beneficial for LSG and for Tendulkar himself, who is struggling to cement himself as an established cricketer.

---

ALSO READ

MI, LSG set for possible IPL trade involving Shardul Thakur and Arjun Tendulkar: Reports

---