Arjun Tendulkar has made an early impression at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) training camp ahead of IPL 2026, quickly grabbing his captain Rishabh Pant's attention. During practice sessions at the Ekana Stadium, the young all-rounder stood out not only for his focused approach but also for a technical preference that carries a distinct Sachin Tendulkar touch.
Arjun Tendulkar’s Sachin-style bat wows Rishabh Pant
The camaraderie between the new teammates became a focal point after a video of their exchange went viral on social media. During a break in training, Pant struck up a conversation regarding bat weights, a detail that often differentiates players' styles. When asked about his preference, Arjun revealed that he uses a blade weighing 1220 grams, a notably heavy choice in the modern game that visibly surprised the LSG skipper.
ALSO READ: Watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar stuns Virat Kohli with unplayable yorker ahead of IPL 2026
Arjun explained that his preference is deeply rooted in his father’s legacy, noting that Sachin famously used bats weighing between 1310 and 1315 grams. For Arjun, the heavier weight allows for better timing, remarking that "just a touch" is enough to send the ball flying. Beyond the equipment, Pant was equally struck by Arjun’s professional discipline; the youngster returned to training with mentor Yuvraj Singh immediately after his wedding to Saaniya Chandhok on March 5, earning high praise from his captain for his sheer enthusiasm and work ethic.
"1220(gms). Touch karo toh jaati hai. Papa toh 1310-1315. Main toh 1200 se halka toh main jaata nahi hoon. (It flies even when you touch it. Dad used to play with 1310-1315. I don’t go below 1200)." Arjun told Pant.
Watch the video here:
The choice of equipment by Arjun has left Pant visibly stunned, particularly because his bat is significantly heavier than the lightweight profiles preferred by most modern-day power hitters. While many contemporary players opt for lighter blades to increase bat speed, Arjun revealed that he feels most comfortable with a heavier setup, a technical preference that sets him apart in the Lucknow Super Giants dressing room.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni's viral 'No.8' Facebook post triggers jersey number speculation ahead of IPL 2026
This specific choice serves as a direct link to his father’s legendary career. Sachin Tendulkar was famous for using some of the heaviest bats in international cricket, typically weighing between 1310 and 1315 grams. Even as the game evolved and many of his peers moved toward lighter equipment, the "Master Blaster" remained steadfast. Instead of reducing the weight, he collaborated with manufacturers to adjust the bat's balance and design, a strategy that allowed him to prioritize elite timing and placement over raw physical strength.
Beyond his equipment, Arjun’s professional discipline has also earned him high praise from the LSG captain. Despite getting married to Saaniya Chandhok on March 5, the 26-year-old all-rounder showed remarkable commitment by reporting to the training camp almost immediately. This level of enthusiasm and work ethic, especially so soon after a major personal milestone, has made a strong impression on Pant and the rest of the support staff as they prepare for the 2026 season.
By adopting a heavier blade, Arjun appears to be embracing a philosophy of control and precision similar to his father’s. He believes that the weight of the bat allows the blade to do the work, requiring only a gentle touch to find the boundary. As he integrates into the Lucknow squad, this blend of traditional technique and modern work ethic could make him a unique asset for the franchise in the upcoming tournament.