New Delhi: The Indian team list will once again have the famous Tendulkar surname back as legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun was included in U-19 side for the two four-day games against Sri Lanka.
Arjun with his tally of 18 wickets from five Cooch Behar Trophy (National U-19) games is 43rd in the list of wicket-takers for the season. He had one five wicket haul (5/95) against Madhya Pradesh.
“There is a clear direction from BCCI and coach Rahul Dravid that those who will surpass 19 by this year should not be selected even if they have performed. Let them play Ranji Trophy according to Rahul. So a lot of boys ahead of Arjun are disqualified,” a senior BCCI official told this agency Thursday.
Tendulkar senior expressed his happiness on his son’s selection in India U-19 team. “We are happy on Arjun being selected in India U-19 team. It is an important milestone in his cricketing life. Anjali (Tendulkar) and I will always support Arjun in his choices and pray for his success,” Tendulkar said.
Arjun has trained under former India fast bowler Subroto Banerjee, a close friend of Tendulkar. He has also bowled at the India nets earlier and was in fast bowlers’ camp at Dharamsala organised by the BCCI.
Asked if the youngster will be under pressure, the senior official said: “He is eyeing to become a professional cricketer. He is another member of this Indian squad and he will have to perform. The selectors have given him a chance looking at his potential.”
Meanwhile WV Raman has been given an extension and will be the coach of this team as Dravid will be with the A squad in England.
