Sachin Tendulkar pens heartwarming note on son Arjun's IPL debut

Former cricket team captain Sachin Tendulkar penned a heartwarming note after his son Arjun made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut on Sunday for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.

Arjun became the first son to play for the same IPL franchise that his father Sachin Tendulkar represented for many years.

Standing at over six feet (1.83 metres) tall, the 23-year-old left-hander was given the new ball in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Arjun went wicketless in his two overs, giving away 17 runs, in a match that Mumbai won and his proud father wrote an emotional note on social media.

"Arjun today you have taken another important step in your journey as a cricketer," Tendulkar tweeted. "As your father, someone who loves you and is passionate about the game, I know you will continue to give the game the respect it deserves and the game will love you back."

Tendulkar added: "You have worked very hard to reach here, and I am sure you will continue to do so. This is the start of a beautiful journey. All the best!"

Arjun (C) along with teammates celebrate his team's win at the end of the match against Kolkata Knight Riders. AFP

The youngster joined five-time IPL winners Mumbai in 2021 — making his T20 debut for the state team the same year — but this was the first time he had been picked for the franchise.

The paceman has played seven first-class matches for Goa, after shifting bases to the western state last year.

His father, who has almost god-like status in cricket-mad India, began his career with Mumbai state's junior team before being picked for the senior side at the age of 15.

He won his first cap for India in 1989 before going on to become the highest Test scorer of all time as well as the first player to score 100 international centuries. He retired in 2013.

Agence France-Presse / IANS