While Sachin Tendulkar will be playing his third Ranji Trophy game of the season for Mumbai's senior side in the semifinal against Services in Delhi, son Arjun is set to represent the under-14 team in the West Zone league games in Ahmedabad.
Though the addition of a 'Tendulkar' to
the Mumbai U-14 side adds spice to the zonal games, Tendulkar senior called for Arjun to be treated as just another member.
"Like any other parent I feel happy and proud that he is a part of the Mumbai U-14 team. His hard work has paid off. I hope that people leave him alone to enjoy this beautiful game as a normal member of the team," said Tendulkar.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) said that Arjun will not be treated any differently from the way the others would be. "He is an attacking batsman, which should be an asset for us," PV Shetty, MCA's joint secretary, told HT.
In May 2012, Arjun had slammed 124 to help Khar Gymkhana beat Goregaon Centre in the semifinal of the MCA's U-14 selection trial. That was the 13-year-old's first ton at the level, which also meant that he was selected for MCA's U-14 off-season camp in June.
Arjun is a left-handed top order batsman, who can also open. Apart from his aggressive batting, he is an effective left-arm medium-pacer. The West Zone tournament, which consists of two-day games, is scheduled from January 20 to February 1.