The legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar paid an emotional tribute to his coach Ramakant Achrekar, who took his last breath on Wednesday. Achrekar, who unfortunately died in Mumbai due to age-related ailments, had also coached other names in Indian cricket such as Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe, and Balwinder Singh Sandhu.
Talking about his coach, Sachin said, “Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of (Ramakant) Achrekar sir. Like many of his students, I learned my ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance. His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on.”
Tendulkar, who took retirement from international cricket, has been quite vocal about the Achrekar’s contribution in shaping him. As a player, Achrekar played just one first-class match but was instrumental in shaping the career of Tendulkar, often driving him to stadiums on his scooter.
You’ll always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/0UIJemo5oM
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 2, 2019
Sachin further added, “Last month, I met Sir along with some of his students and spent some time together. We shared a laugh as we remembered the old times. Achrekar sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight. Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and may you coach more wherever you are.”
ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar’s Coach Ramakant Achrekar Passes Away
Tendulkar started his cricket coaching during his childhood under the watchful eyes of Achrekar at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area. It’s more than a fact that that naughty kid became Sachin Tendulkar because of Ramakant Achrekar Sir only. As a player, Achrekar played just one first-class match but was instrumental in molding Tendulkar as a child, often driving him to stadiums on his scooter.
The cricket fraternity also paid tributes to Ramakant Achrekar. Here are some of the tweets:
My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of #RamakantAchrekar Sir , who was instrumental in giving a jewel to Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/qUZzG5Guf9
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 2, 2019
Condolences to his family and loved ones on the passing away of #RamakantAchrekar sir, who shaped and gave us a gift called Sachin Tendulkar ! pic.twitter.com/S7LIhNV4rh
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 2, 2019
The BCCI expresses its deepest sympathy on the passing of Dronacharya award-winning guru Shri Ramakant Achrekar. Not only did he produce great cricketers, but also trained them to be fine human beings. His contribution to Indian Cricket has been immense. pic.twitter.com/mK0nQODo6b
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 2, 2019
Sad to hear about Ramakant Achrekar Sir’s passing away. May his soul RIP. Cricketing World will always remember you for your contribution. pic.twitter.com/asLgWFhpvA
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) January 2, 2019
