Ramakant Achrekar might not be a household name for the younger generation, but his impact on cricket, especially in shaping legends like Sachin Tendulkar, is monumental. Achrekar, who passed away in January 2019 at the age of 87, was the childhood coach of Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen.

Now, the Maharashtra Government has decided to honour Achrekar’s legacy by building a statue of him at Shivaji Park, the very ground where he spent most of his life nurturing young talent. Sachin Tendulkar, who started his cricketing journey under Achrekar’s guidance at Shivaji Park, expressed his gratitude and emotions through a heartfelt post on his social media. He emphasized the immense influence his coach had on his life and the lives of many others.

For Tendulkar, the idea of Achrekar’s statue at Shivaji Park, where the coach spent countless hours mentoring budding cricketers, feels like the perfect tribute to his beloved teacher.

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“Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several other lives. I speak on behalf of all his students when I say that his life revolved around cricket at Shivaji Park. Staying there forever is what he would have wished for. I am very happy with the government’s decision to build a statue for Achrekar Sir at his karmabhoomi,” Tendulkar shared on his ‘X’ handle.

Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several other lives. I am speaking on behalf of all his students.

His life revolved around cricket in Shivaji Park. Being at Shivaji Park forever is what he would have wished for.

I am very happy with the government’s… pic.twitter.com/NIyVeYOy56

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 29, 2024

But Ramakant Achrekar’s legacy isn’t limited to Tendulkar. He also played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several other Indian cricketers, including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar, and Ramesh Powar. His coaching school, Kamat Memorial in Shivaji Park, became a breeding ground for Indian cricketing talent.

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In addition to the upcoming statue, Achrekar’s contributions to cricket have been recognized with prestigious awards like the Dronacharya Award in 2010 and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the same year. His influence on Indian cricket is immeasurable, and this statue will serve as a reminder of his lasting legacy in the world of sports.