India, May 24 -- Arjun Tendulkar had to wait an entire season for his first game in IPL 2026, which finally came on Saturday during Lucknow Super Giants' home clash against Punjab Kings. Despite LSG suffering another defeat, Arjun managed to pick up a wicket on debut for the franchise, a performance that impressed his father, Sachin Tendulkar, who penned an emotional note for his son afterward.

As spectators, it is easy to understand the pressure players face on the field during matches. What often gets overlooked, however, is the mental fortitude required from players warming the bench throughout a long season.

In high-stakes tournaments like the IPL, franchises build squads of 25 players. Yet, most teams operate around a core group of...