'Has Arjun Tendulkar joined Mumbai Indians?' - MI fans left curious after he spends time with players in UAE

Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, will be aiming to add another title to their name after the much-awaited IPL 2020 commences from September 19th in the UAE. Defending champions Mumbai Indians will by vying fifth IPL trophy, having lifted the title on four occasions under the captaincy of ‘Hitman’ Rohit.

The Mumbai franchise, along with all IPL teams, has already started their outdoor training sessions after serving the mandatory quarantine period upon landing in the UAE. In the season opener of the tournament, MI are slated to face MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi.

Arjun Tendulkar was spotted with Trent Boult and James Pattinson

Meanwhile, Arjun, the son of India legend and former MI skipper Sachin Tendulkar, has sparked speculations of joining the franchise. Arjun was spotted enjoying his rest day with the likes of Trent Boult, Rahul Chahar and James Pattinson. Arjun, a left-arm pacer, wasn’t a part of IPL 2020 auction and his picture left the fans wondering what is he doing with MI players. He is yet to make his IPL debut.

This isn’t the first time when Arjun has been spotted training in the MI camp. However, the franchise hasn’t signed him yet. He has travelled to UAE as a part of the net bowlers contingent. Due to dearth of net bowlers, all IPL franchises have flown their own set of bowlers to the Gulf nation. Arjun will also be bowling to MI batsmen in the nets.

Apart from MI, Arjun also has bowled in net sessions of Team India. Contrary to his father, Arjun is a pacer but can also prove as a handy batsman. Sachin, on the other hand, was known for his batting expertise and part-time bowling efficiency. He was rather considered as one of the best batsmen to have braced the gentleman’s game.

Arjun is serving as a net bowler but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of MI signing him up. Arjun wasn’t a part of IPL 2020 auction but he can still be picked by MI as a replacement player. Considering the SOPs and rules, the BCCI might allow franchises to rope in replacement players during the course of the tournament. Arjun even has experience of donning the India U19 jersey in 2018.