IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Arjun Tendulkar stuns Rishabh Pant with moment reminiscent of Sachin

A new chapter is unfolding at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp, and it is being written with a bat that carries a distinct echo of cricketing royalty. Arjun Tendulkar, who joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2026 after being traded from Mumbai Indians (MI), has already made a massive impression on captain Rishabh Pant. A candid conversation between the two players, where Arjun revealed he uses a bat weighing a staggering 1220 grams – a clear inheritance of his father Sachin Tendulkar’s famous technique – has left Pant stunned and gone viral across social media .

‘Papa toh 1310-1315 mein khelte the’: Arjun Tendulkar

In a heartwarming video shared by LSG on their official social media handles, Pant is seen engaging Arjun in a light-hearted discussion about their equipment. When asked about the weight of his bat, Arjun’s answer immediately caught the wicketkeeper-batter off guard.

“1220 grams,” Arjun revealed, explaining his preference for a heavier blade. When a curious Pant asked about the advantage of wielding such a heavy bat, Arjun’s response was wonderfully simple: “Touch karo, ho jaata hai” (All you need to do is just touch the ball) .

The moment became truly special when Arjun drew a direct line to his legendary father. “Papa toh 1310-1315 mein khelte the. Main toh 1200 se halka jaata nahi hoon” (Dad used to play with 1310-1315. I don’t go below 1200), he said, leaving Pant visibly impressed by the dedication to the family style .

This preference for heavy bats is a well-documented part of Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy. In his autobiography Playing It My Way, the Master Blaster had explained his rationale, stating that the bat should be an “extension of your arm” and that any technical adjustment like switching to a lighter blade risked making a batter feel “uncomfortable.”  Arjun is clearly following that same school of thought, relying on timing and placement over brute force.

“Shaadi ke agle din hi? You’re so enthu bhai”: Pant praises Arjun’s dedication

The conversation, however, was about more than just willow weight. Pant was also deeply impressed by Arjun’s sheer dedication to the game. The young all-rounder had only recently married entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok in a grand ceremony in Mumbai on March 5, attended by cricketing royalty .

Yet, as Arjun revealed to his new captain, he was back on the field the very next day, training under the watchful eye of legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. This revelation prompted an amused and appreciative reaction from Pant.

“Yuvi paa ke saath full-time? Shaadi ke agle din hi? You’re so enthu bhai!” (Full-time with Yuvraj? The day after your wedding? You’re so enthusiastic, brother!), Pant exclaimed, applauding his new teammate’s commitment.

Pant’s gesture was not limited to praise. In a moment that showcased the camaraderie within the LSG dressing room, he warmly assured Arjun of his support. “Agar kuch lage toh batana. Always open for you, kuch bhi ho” (Let me know if you need anything. Always open for you, no matter what), the skipper told the 26-year-old, signalling a fresh and supportive start for Arjun in the LSG colours.

Can Arjun deliver in IPL 2026?

For Arjun, IPL 2026 represents a crucial opportunity. Having spent time with the Mumbai Indians since 2021, he managed only five appearances across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, picking up three wickets. Traded to LSG for ₹30 lakh ahead of the season, he is now looking to establish himself as a regular in the playing XI.

As a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball and contribute handy runs in the lower order, he offers a versatile all-round package. His recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took eight wickets and scored 70 runs in five matches, suggests he is ready for bigger challenges.

With the LSG management expected to provide him with more consistent opportunities, Arjun will be keen to make his mark. And if the early signs from the training camp – a heavy bat, a tireless work ethic, and the backing of his captain – are anything to go by, the Tendulkar legacy at the IPL might just be getting a new, exciting lease on life.