With love and passion, Arjun Tendulkar can be a winner: Glenn McGrath

Former Australian speedster Glenn McGrath arrived in Mumbai recently. He was invited by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to conduct a short bowling clinic for a couple of days in the city. Interestingly, when he arrived in Mumbai, the eyes were glued to Sachin Tendulkar’s son, Arjun Tendulkar. It comes as no surprise that Arjun would be getting the limelight due to the big name that he has associated with him.

Arjun is an aspiring cricketer, who has already represented Mumbai U14 and Mumbai U16 teams. The 18 year old is keen on learning more and more. Interestingly, during the playing days, Glenn McGrath had a fierce rivalry with Sachin Tendulkar on the field. The two players were masters of the traits they served. When McGrath was asked to comment on the fact that Sachin’s son is an aspiring pacer, the former Aussie cricketer was not surprised at all.

“I know Sachin wanted to be a fast bowler when he was younger and had come to MRF. So may be…,” quoted Glenn McGrath as he recalled the story of Sachin being rejected as a fast bowler in the MRF academy. Sachin was rejected by Dennis Lillee at the academy at the age of 14. It was after the rejection that he took up batting more seriously.

Burden of expectations

Talking about the pressure that the young lad has been under, McGrath conceded that it was bound to happen with his father being a legend. However, he feels that Arjun can be a winner if he shows the same love and passion that his father has for the game of cricket.

“When you have a name like Tendulkar, those are pretty big shoes to fill. Whether he is looking to be a fast bowler more than a batsman (I don’t know). We will wait and see. But if he has the love and passion for the game that Sachin had, he will be a winner,” Mcgrath said.