Following Yograj Singh's recent controversial remarks about Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, many on the internet are urging Arjun Tendulkar to distance himself from the former cricketer. Indian cricket fans, upset with Yograj's derogatory comments, are concerned that his influence could negatively impact Arjun's future.
Arjun, the 24-year-old son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, is still establishing himself in professional cricket, playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and representing Goa in domestic competitions. Last year, Arjun and Sachin made history as the first father-son duo to play in the IPL. About six months prior, Yuvraj Singh had shared that Sachin had approached Yograj to help train his son.
However, after Yograj's recent outburst accusing Dhoni of "destroying Yuvraj's career" and making disparaging comments about Kapil, fans are calling for Arjun to sever ties with Yograj. During an appearance on Zee Switch, Yograj likened Arjun to an "unshaped chunk of coal" destined to become a diamond under his guidance.
"Have you seen a diamond in a coal mine? It is nothing but a coal that took years to nurture and shape. If the diamond lands in the right hand, it will eventually reach its destination. It will be priceless. But if the same diamond is with someone who doesn't understand its value, it will break into pieces," Yograj said.
Fans were quick to express their disapproval, fearing that Yograj's influence could be detrimental to Arjun. "I heard a while ago that Arjun Tendulkar was training with Yograj Singh? If so, good luck to him," one user commented, while another added, "It would be surprising if Arjun has anything to do with Yograj after this."
One Twitter user, in particular, voiced multiple concerns about Arjun's association with Yograj:
"How can someone like Yograj be working with Arjun with this mentality? He just badmouthed two Indian World Cup winners. Shocking."
"Someone get that guy Yograj away from Arjun Tendulkar ASAP. He’ll ruin the kid’s life with some venomous attitude."
"If the right sense prevails, Yograj will be asked to get away from Arjun."
Yograj had initially agreed to train Arjun at Sachin's request, communicated through Yuvraj. Speaking with the Times of India last year, Yograj revealed that Yuvraj told him, "Papa, Sachin paaji will call you. He will talk to you about his son. Please help him." Yograj agreed to train Arjun under one condition: that Arjun, then 22, would forget he was Sachin's son.
After Arjun scored a century on his Ranji Trophy debut, Yograj expressed his satisfaction, having provided regular feedback to the young cricketer. A video of Yograj dancing with Arjun went viral, showing their bond. In IPL 2023, Arjun played four matches for Mumbai Indians, taking three wickets, but in the following season, he made only one appearance, going wicketless against LSG.