'Khelega hi nahi,' Ashwin takes a dig at Arjun Tendulkar's chances of playing for LSG in IPL 2026

Ashwin boldly stated, "Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi," citing LSG's formidable pace attack featuring Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, and others.

Arjun was bought by LSG for in IPL 2026 during the trade window.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has once again made a bold, unfiltered, tactical analysis right before the IPL 2026. This time, he has focused on Arjun Tendulkar's chances of playing at his new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Despite Arjun's move away from the Mumbai Indians on a high-profile trade. Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the left-arm pacer's entry into the playing XI is blocked by a stacked Lucknow pace attack, which has bowlers like Mohammed Shami.

The blunt verdict: "Khelega hi nahi"

Arjun Tendulkar, who was acquired by LSG for his base price of ₹30 lakh will enter his first season outside the shadow of the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians.

However, Ashwin was quick to toughen expectations regarding the young all-rounder's chances of playing.

“Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there," Ashwin commented on his YouTube channel.

"I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup."

Read also: IPL 2026 jersey guide: Where to buy jersey of each team, prices, and new kit designs.

Ashwin’s judgment isn't a critique of Arjun’s skill, but instead a look at the sheer depth of the LSG's bowling lineup.

For Arjun to break into the XI, he would have to displace Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan.

Although Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan will be coming after recovering from injuries, it would be tough for Arjun to get into the side as a pace bowler alongside Shami and Avesh Khan, considering both of them are fit and available.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad for IPL 2026

Batters: Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran

All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni

Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan

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