Sachin Tendulkar remembers childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar penned down a heartfelt note for his childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar, and paid a tribute to him on his death anniversary. Achrekar passed away in 2019 at his home in Mumbai, aged 87.

Achrekar, who was born in 1932, had a significant impact on Tendulkar’s performance over the years. He mentored a number of young players at Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area, and his most well-known student, Tendulkar, went on to become one of the best cricketers in this history of the sport.

Tendulkar shared a photo of him with Achrekar on social media and wrote:

“He taught me technique, discipline, and most importantly, to respect the game. I think of him every day. Today, on his death anniversary, I salute the Dronacharya of my life. Without him, I wouldn’t have been the same cricketer.”

Courtesy of Achrekar, India found a once-in-a-generation kind of player

One of the most well-known individuals in the coaching community, Achrekar received the Dronacharya award back in 1990, and in 2010 he was conferred with the Padma Shri. He proved to be a blessing for the Indian cricket team as he produced great cricketers like Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli. Thanks to Achrekar’s training and mentorship, Tendulkar, even after nine years of retiring from the sport, continues to hold numerous records in the game.

Tendulkar continues to be the highest run-scorer in Tests and ODIs, with 15921 runs and 18426 runs to his name respectively. He also remains to be the highest run-getter across all formats, with 34357 international career runs. He holds the record for hitting the most number of centuries in Tests and ODIs, tallying 51 and 49 respectively.

Tendulkar ended his career with 100 centuries to his name across formats, the most by any cricketer. Virat Kohli stands second on the list with 72 international centuries. Tendulkar had the longest international career and has played the most number of Tests and ODIs. He is one of the finest cricketers to have blessed Indian cricket and will be an inspiration to many for years.