If Sachin Tendulkar is called the ‘God of Cricket’, there was a man who made the God. It was his cricketing coach – Ramakant Achrekar. Dronacharya to the Master Blaster, Achrekar breathed his last at his Mumbai residence at 6.30 PM on Tuesday, 2nd January 2019. He was 87 years old.
Tendulkar expressed his heartfelt emotions on Twitter. He wrote, “Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar sir. Like many of his students, I learnt 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. 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.”
You’ll always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/0UIJemo5oM
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 2, 2019
Born in 1932, Achrekar was a colossal figure in the Mumbai cricketing circuit with several of his proteges playing for the country.
Along with the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, a few others like Chandrakant Pandit, Sanjay Bangar, Pravin Amre, Ramesh Powar and Ajit Agarkar have gone on to achieve success at higher levels.
Achrekar was conferred the Dronacharya Award in 2010. He was also awarded the Padma Shri – the fourth highest civilian honour in India.
Team India pays tribute to Ramakant Achrekar:
The Indian cricketing team playing the 4th Test match at Sydney in Australia have paid tribute to coach Ramakant Achrekar by wearing black armbands.
As a mark of respect to the demise of Mr.Ramakant Achrekar, the team is wearing black arm bands today. #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/LUJXXE38qr
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 2, 2019
Cricketers express their condolences:
Cricketers have expressed their deepest condolences to the veteran coach. Vinod Kambli, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammad Kaif, RP Singh, Rohit Sharma and VVS Laxman were amongst who expressed their grief.
The person who gave birth to my cricketing career is You Ramakant Achrekar Sir, You will be missed. Rest in Peace. My Sincere condolences to the Achrekar family pic.twitter.com/8ML7jN0B8Z
— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) 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
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
Sad to know that Ramakant Achrekar sir is no more. My homage to the great soul and condolences to the family. #Achrekarsir
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) January 2, 2019
Sad to hear about the passing of Achrekar Sir. Man who instilled grit & discipline in Mumbai cricket 🏏
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 2, 2019
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