After spending the entire IPL 2025 season on the bench with Mumbai Indians, Arjun Tendulkar is set to make his competitive comeback in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, representing Goa. The left-arm bowling all-rounder, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has been named in Goa’s senior squad and will return to action starting October 15, 2025. This marks his first official match appearance in nearly 10 months, having last played a domestic fixture in December 2024.
Arjun’s exclusion from Mumbai Indians’ playing XI throughout IPL 2025 raised questions about his development and match-readiness. However, his consistent performances in pre-season fixtures for Goa and his commitment to domestic cricket have earned him a spot in the Ranji squad. With Goa banking on his all-round abilities, Arjun’s comeback is being closely watched by selectors and IPL franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
🧠 Key Highlights of Arjun Tendulkar’s Comeback
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Goa (Ranji Trophy 2025–26) |
| Comeback Date | October 15, 2025 |
| Last Senior Match | December 2024 |
| IPL 2025 Status | Benched entire season with Mumbai Indians |
| Role | Left-arm medium pacer, lower-order batter |
| Auction Implication | Performance may influence IPL 2026 interest |
Arjun’s return is seen as a critical phase in his career, with domestic performances likely to determine his future in franchise cricket.
📊 Arjun Tendulkar’s Career Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Runs | Batting Avg | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 7 | 18 | 26.4 | 234 | 29.2 | 4/42 |
| List A | 12 | 15 | 28.7 | 156 | 22.3 | 3/32 |
| T20 | 11 | 13 | 24.1 | 98 | 19.6 | 3/14 |
His all-round stats reflect promise, especially in red-ball cricket where he’s shown control and composure.
🗣️ Reactions from Cricketing Circles
- Goa Coach: “Arjun brings balance to our squad. We’re backing him to deliver.”
- Former India Cricketer: “He needs match time. Goa is the right platform.”
- Fans on X: “Let the boy play. He’s more than a surname.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Goa Cricket Association | Confident in his role as strike bowler |
| Mumbai Indians Fans | Mixed—some wanted him retained, others support release |
| Domestic Selectors | Watching closely for consistency |
| IPL Franchises | Monitoring for auction potential |
Arjun’s comeback is also being viewed as a test of mental resilience and maturity under pressure.
🧾 Goa’s Squad Composition for Ranji Trophy 2025–26
| Player Name | Role | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arjun Tendulkar | Bowling All-rounder | 2nd full season with Goa |
| Suyash Prabhudessai | Top-order Batter | Senior domestic regular |
| Amit Verma | Captain, Middle-order | Veteran leadership |
| Lakshay Garg | Fast Bowler | Key strike option |
| Darshan Misal | Spinner | All-round support |
Goa is expected to field a balanced XI with Arjun playing a pivotal role in the pace attack.
🧭 What to Watch in Arjun’s Comeback Season
- Bowling Rhythm: Ability to bowl long spells and maintain pace
- Batting Role: Lower-order contributions in pressure situations
- Fitness Levels: Match readiness after long layoff
- Auction Impact: Performance could attract bids in IPL 2026
If Arjun performs consistently, he may be considered for India A or zonal tournaments in early 2026.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified cricket reports, squad announcements, and media coverage as of October 13, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute player endorsement, selection guarantee, or auction prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
