Home
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) registered a thumping five-wicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 16 (Sunday). While MI performed exceedingly well as a team, there was one name that hogged the limelight. Arjun Tendulkar, who made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut, became the center of the conversation soon after his place in the playing XI was official.
The left-arm seamer took the new ball for the Men in Blue and bowled an excellent first over. In his next over, Arjun was conceded a four and a six. The young pacer bowled just two overs and conceded 17 runs in his debut.
MI all-rounder Tim David was mighty pleased by Arjun's performance and the Australian lavished praise on the debutant.
I thought he did a great job when he started bowling the first over. He swung the ball a lot as I stood next to him. As far as conversations go, I stood in the huddle when he was given his first cap. That's when I was aware of it, but I think it's great and awesome for him. He'll build a lot of confidence from that performance," David said in the post-match press conference.
While Arjun hogged the majority of the limelight, KKR's Venkatesh Iyer was not far behind. The left-handed batter smashed a fantastic century and became only the second KKR batter to register a ton in the cash-rich-tournament. Venkatesh scored 104 runs off 51 balls with the help of six fours and nine sixes.
David also appreciated Venkatesh's remarkable knock before lauding his team for overcoming the KKR batter's blitz.
"He (Venkatesh Iyer) played a great innings. He started so quickly. Any time the player gets a 100, it is special. So, for him to play that way, I'm sure he feels good about it. But again, for us to overcome that century and to win the game, that's really pleasing for us," David concluded.
ALSO READ:
MI vs KKR: After father-son Tendulkar duo scripts IPL history, Sachin pens heartfelt message for Arjun
IPL 2023: Arjun Tendulkar played exceptionally for his first game, says Sreesanth after MI bowler’s debut
