<p>Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar on Saturday said those calling cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun's selection in the IPL as a sign of "nepotism" are being "cruel" to the young player.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 20 lakh at the Indian Premiere League (IPL) auction on Thursday.</p>.<p>The left-arm pacer had entered the auction with the base price of Rs 20 lakh and was sold at the same price to the five-time IPL champions.</p>.<p>His celebrated father, Sachin Tendulkar, had played for Mumbai Indians for five editions, beginning from 2008 when the IPL was launched in the country.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar's entry to the team was criticised by a section on social media, which felt he got an undue advantage only because he was the son of the cricket icon.</p>.<p>Akhtar came out in support on Arjun Tendulkar in a post on Twitter, saying that his enthusiasm shouldn't be killed with unfair comments. </p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/arjun-tendulkar-gets-maiden-ipl-deal-mumbai-indians-pick-him-for-base-price-952745.html" target="_blank">Arjun Tendulkar gets maiden IPL deal; Mumbai Indians pick him for base price</a></strong></p>.<p>"I feel I should say this about Arjun Tendulkar. We frequent the same gym and I’ve seen how hard he works on his fitness, seen his focus to be a better cricketer. </p>.<p>"To throw the word 'nepotism' at him is unfair and cruel. Don't murder his enthusiasm and weigh him down before he’s begun," the 47-year-old "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" star wrote.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar was the last player to go under the hammer during the auction and there was one bid for him and that was by Mumbai Indians. </p>.<p>The 21-year-old recently made his senior Mumbai team debut when he played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the national T20 championship, against Haryana.</p>.<p>So far, the left-handed batsman and left-arm pacer has played two matches for Mumbai in the T20 format, in which he has scored three runs and taken two wickets.</p>
<p>Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar on Saturday said those calling cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun's selection in the IPL as a sign of "nepotism" are being "cruel" to the young player.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 20 lakh at the Indian Premiere League (IPL) auction on Thursday.</p>.<p>The left-arm pacer had entered the auction with the base price of Rs 20 lakh and was sold at the same price to the five-time IPL champions.</p>.<p>His celebrated father, Sachin Tendulkar, had played for Mumbai Indians for five editions, beginning from 2008 when the IPL was launched in the country.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar's entry to the team was criticised by a section on social media, which felt he got an undue advantage only because he was the son of the cricket icon.</p>.<p>Akhtar came out in support on Arjun Tendulkar in a post on Twitter, saying that his enthusiasm shouldn't be killed with unfair comments. </p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/arjun-tendulkar-gets-maiden-ipl-deal-mumbai-indians-pick-him-for-base-price-952745.html" target="_blank">Arjun Tendulkar gets maiden IPL deal; Mumbai Indians pick him for base price</a></strong></p>.<p>"I feel I should say this about Arjun Tendulkar. We frequent the same gym and I’ve seen how hard he works on his fitness, seen his focus to be a better cricketer. </p>.<p>"To throw the word 'nepotism' at him is unfair and cruel. Don't murder his enthusiasm and weigh him down before he’s begun," the 47-year-old "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" star wrote.</p>.<p>Arjun Tendulkar was the last player to go under the hammer during the auction and there was one bid for him and that was by Mumbai Indians. </p>.<p>The 21-year-old recently made his senior Mumbai team debut when he played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the national T20 championship, against Haryana.</p>.<p>So far, the left-handed batsman and left-arm pacer has played two matches for Mumbai in the T20 format, in which he has scored three runs and taken two wickets.</p>