Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin, opens up on wife Saaniya: 'She never said anything'

New Delhi: Stepping into the 2026 Indian Premier League season wearing the Lucknow Super Giants jersey, Arjun Tendulkar is determined to let his cricket do the talking, but the 26-year-old all-rounder offered a rare peek behind the curtain during a recent conversation with podcaster Shubhankar Mishra. Speaking about life beyond the boundary, Arjun credited his newly-wed wife Saaniya Chandhok for providing quiet, unwavering support. “She never said anything. She has been supportive,” he said, firmly rejecting any suggestion that she asked him to postpone reporting to the LSG camp.

Away from the floodlights, Arjun’s routine is deliberately low-key. “I have five dogs in Goa, and I spend time playing with them,” he revealed, underscoring a lifestyle that stays grounded despite the constant glare attached to the Tendulkar surname. That sense of separation extends to his social circle as well: “I don't really have cricketer friends; most of my friends don't play cricket,” he added, signalling a conscious effort to insulate himself from the sport’s echo chamber.

The left-arm quick, who had limited game time during his stint with Mumbai Indians, is under no illusions about the challenge ahead at Lucknow Super Giants, where competition for a place in the playing XI is fierce. While external expectations remain high, Arjun insists criticism does not weigh him down. “No, I'm not,” he replied when asked if trolling affects him, brushing off the scrutiny that trails every public appearance.

When it comes to inspiration, Arjun name-checked two contrasting figures: his iconic father Sachin Tendulkar and former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. With a smile, he noted the difference in their crafts—“He was a spinner; I am a pacer”—but emphasised the influence both have had on his ambitions.

As IPL 2026 kicks off, the spotlight will once again fixate on whether Arjun can translate flashes of promise into consistent match-winning contributions, a task made more complex by the inevitable comparisons to his father’s legendary career. For now, the youngster appears focused on controlling what he can: his preparation, his mindset, and the calm reassurance he draws from a supportive partner who, by his own account, has never demanded anything more than his best effort.