'We have to judge him as an individual, not as a legend's son' - Pragyan Ojha responds to Arjun Tendulkar's critics

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has thrown his weight behind Arjun Tendulkar who is currently representing Mumbai Indians in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 23-year-old all-rounder has picked up three wickets so far across four matches for the franchise.

Ojha has praised Arjun for the job he has done for MI and made a request for his critics. He said that the youngster should not be assessed as the son of a legendary player like Sachin Tendulkar, but rather as an individual who has made his competition debut. He did, however, admit that Arjun needs to improve, but the way people criticise him is inappropriate.

“I was talking to Zaheer Khan the other day, and he told me that Arjun is someone you have to drag out of the nets, that's the dedication he has. We have to judge him as an individual, not as a legend's son. He has to improve, obviously,” Ojha told JioCinema during a recent interaction.

“As T20 cricket continues to evolve, you need to have as many skills as possible to sustain in these kinds of leagues, and further go and play a higher level of cricket,” he added.

Arjun's shown what hard work and dedication can help you achieve: Ojha

Ojha went on to say that Arjun has demonstrated that hard work and determination can help you achieve things. He noted that bowling the death overs is difficult, especially when playing in your second game. Notably, the teenager gave away just nine runs in his two overs against Gujarat Titans (GT), and his ability to consistently hit yorkers has drawn the attention of experts.

“I feel, as a young boy who is just playing his second game, he's shown what hard work and dedication can help you achieve. Bowling those overs isn't easy, especially when you're playing in your second game. Whatever were the things he was trying to do, they were happening for him. He was trying to get the ball to swing into the batter, he was able to do that. He was trying to bowl the yorkers, and he was able to do that too. He's got the temperament, the skill, and he wants to work hard,” Ojha said further.