Let Arjun Tendulkar play freely and do not compare with Sachin Tendulkar: Kapil Dev

Despite being part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for two straight seasons, Arjun Tendulkar, son of former cricketer and legend Sachin Tendulkar, didn't get a single game for the five-time champions in the Indian Premier League. 

Arjun, who was roped in by the Mumbai-based franchise in the mega auction for a price tag of INR 30 lakhs, kept warming the bench in the entire recently concluded season. Recently, MI bowling coach Shane Bond opened up about Arjun not getting an opportunity, saying that the 22-year-old still needs to work on his game.

Meanwhile, former World Cup-winning Indian skipper Kapil Dev, speaking on the same, said that the left-arm pacer carries extra pressure on him due to the Tendulkar surname. However, one of India’s greatest all-rounders, Kapil Dev, reckoned that Arjun should play his game freely and avoid comparisons with his father.

"Why is everyone talking about him? Because he is Sachin Tendulkar's son. Let him play his own cricket, and do not compare him with Sachin. To have a Tendulkar name has perks and disadvantages as well. Don Bradman's son changed his name because he could not soak up that kind of pressure. He removed the surname Bradman because everyone expected him to turn out like his father," Kapil said on Uncut.

The legendary Indian all-rounder further added that if Arjun can become even 50 percent of his father, there is nothing better.

"Don't put pressure on Arjun. He is a young boy. Who are we to say anything to him when he has the great Sachin as his father? But I would still just like to tell him one thing: Go and enjoy yourself. No need to prove anything. If you can become even 50 percent like your father there is nothing better. When the name Tendulkar comes up, our expectations rise because Sachin was so great," the 63-year-old added.

Arjun Tendulkar played two Syed Mushtaq Ali games last year for Mumbai, where he ended up scalping two wickets at an expensive economy of 9.57. Earlier, the head coach of Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene, said that Arjun needs to work on a few aspects of his game to find a place in MI's playing XI.