Ashish Nehra, one of India’s finest left-arm pacers, left an indelible mark on Indian cricket with his skill and dedication. Playing for over 13 years, he delivered several memorable performances, including his iconic 6/23 against England in the 2003 World Cup despite battling a swollen leg. However, beyond his cricketing prowess, Nehra’s deep gratitude toward his childhood coach, Tarak Sinha, truly sets him apart.
Tarak Sinha, one of India’s most revered coaches, founded the renowned Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi in 1969. This legendary academy nurtured cricketing stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Aakash Chopra, Anjum Chopra, and Shikhar Dhawan.
Despite shaping the careers of numerous international cricketers, Sinha faced financial struggles in his later years, even battling the uncertainty of having a stable home. When Nehra learned about his mentor’s plight, he made a life-changing decision.
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Commentator Padamjeet Sehrawat revealed the heartwarming incident on Richa Jain Kalra’s podcast. He narrated how Ashish Nehra, during a training session, playfully teased his coach for arriving late. In response, Sinha shared his distressing situation, explaining that he was being evicted from his rented home. This revelation deeply moved Nehra.
Two days later, after rain disrupted practice, Ashish Nehra himself arrived late to training. Sinha, maintaining their lighthearted banter, quipped, “Test player! You were giving me advice the other day, and now you’re late yourself?” In that moment, Nehra handed his coach a set of keys, revealing that he had bought him a house, ensuring his mentor never faced housing insecurity again.
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Tarak Sinha’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond Nehra. He coached the Indian women’s team from 2001 to 2002 and was honoured with the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2018. His legacy continues through his students, including Rishabh Pant, the latest star to emerge from the Sonnet Cricket Club. Sinha passed away in 2021, but his influence on Indian cricket—and the selfless act of his devoted student—will always be remembered.
