NEW DELHI: Ramakant Achrekar, the celebrated cricket coach credited for discovering master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, died at the age of 87 in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Tendulkar, who grew under the tutelage of Achrekar, paid tribute to the man who shaped him into a legend.
ALSO READ: Ramakant Achrekar: Sachin Tendulkar’s coach and much more
“Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar sir,” Tendulkar said in a statement.
“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,” master blaster said.
Achrekar has always been acknowledged by Tendulkar for the role he played in shaping his career as a child. The batting legend was coached by Achrekar at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
“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,” Tendulkar added.
Tendulkar, who is now retired, owns almost all the batting records that were there for the taking in the game, including the highest runs in Tests (15,921) and ODIs (18,426).
“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,” Tendulkar said.
Besides Tendulkar, Achrekar also coached some prominent players in Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe and Balwinder Singh Sandhu.