IPL 2023: Brett Lee bats for Arjun Tendulkar, shuts down critics

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun has had a mixed performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) so far.

After taking a wicket in the last over against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the left-hand pacer conceded 48 runs in three overs against Punjab Kings. He also conceded 31 runs in one over of the match. It is the second-most costliest over by a Mumbai Indians (MI) bowler. In another match against Gujarat Titans, Arjun began on a promising note and conceded only four runs in the opening over. It was a nice comeback for the pacer.

Though Arjun has been praised for his lethal yorkers, his lack of express speed has been criticized by several experts and fans. However, former Australia pacer Brett Lee defended Arjun on the fierce criticism that he has been facing. The former speedster also slammed the critics.

“People will criticize you for almost everything. If you look at Sandeep Sharma, he has been bowling at 120 kph. Arjun is bowling way faster than Sandeep. Arjun is only 23 years of age and he has got his whole career ahead of him. My advice to Arjun will be - don’t listen to critics,” said Lee.

“Arjun has to back himself like his father Sachin when he got out on low scores. Arjun has got some wonderful skills. He can bowl at 140 kph as soon as he gets comfortable bowling in the team environment. When he will be more comfortable playing in front of the big lights and big crowd, his pace will increase. He has got all the talent and all the right attributes. So my advice would be to keep doing what you have been doing. Don’t listen to those people who are trying to have a go at you. Remember most people who will criticize on social media have never bowled a single ball in their life. They are only keyboard warriors,” Lee added.