Arjun Tendulkar's coach Atul Gaikwad speaks on his injury and how he bounced back

Mumbai: The re-emergence of ‘Tendulkar’ is all set to take place next month in Sri Lanka. The island nation will be playing host to India Under-19 side who will be touring the country for two four-day games and five match ODI series.

This time it will be Arjun Tendulkar son of the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who will be in the spotlight.

The 18-year-old was picked up in the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming tour in July. Arjun who is an all-rounder bowls and bats left-handed. He has claimed 18 wickets from five domestic matches at the U-19 level including a five-wicket haul.

The junior Tendulkar, who is coached by Atul Gaikwad spoke to Times of India after the selection of his ward. “Arjun’s hard work has paid off” said the ecstatic coach.

“I’ve seen that boy very closely. From suffering back-to back stress fractures three years ago to struggling with a spate of injuries, he has worked very hard to get here,”. “On a good day, he can consistently touch 135 (kmph),” said Gaikwad.

Gaikwad, who is a level-3 coach from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) with a PhD in biomechanics was roped in by Sachin to coach his son three years ago. Not only Arjun, Gaikwad has also worked extensively with India women’s captain Mithali Raj.

With the legendary surname attached to his name, Arjun will be expected to carry huge amount of pressure on his young shoulder, but his coach is confident of the young lad being able to soak in the pressure.  

“I expect him to handle it well. Personally, I’ve never seen him take advantage of his father’s name. For instance, never did he expect his coaches to give him any special attention because he is Sachin’s son nor has he ever made noise about it. I only hope people don’t jump the gun and start talking trash about why he’s here and whose son he is. Watch his cricket and see for yourself,” said Gaikwad.