Sachin’s guru Ramakant Achrekar no more
Mumbai:ramakant Achrekar, the cricket guru who moulded Sachin Tendulkar into an alltime great batsman, died here on Wednesday, aged 87. Achrekar produced many internationals at his academy, Kamat Memorial, in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, including Pravin Amre, 1983 World Cup hero Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Ajit Agarkar, ‘keeper Sameer Dighe and Ramesh Powar.
He made headlines after two 15-year-olds, Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, set the Mumbai school scene on fire, going on to play for India. Achrekar received the Dronacharya Award in 1990 and the Padma Shri in 2010.
After suffering a stroke around six years ago, his mobility was reduced. He died in his sleep on Wednesday evening at his home, where he stayed with three daughters and grandchildren.
It was Achrekar who suggested that Tendulkar, dreaming of becoming a pace bowler, be shifted from Bandra’s New English School to Shardashram Vidya Mandir, which sparked the the youngster’s growth as a cricketer.
Achrekar would famously put a one-rupee coin on the stump, challenging bowlers to clean up Tendulkar, who would also be ruled out if a nearby street vendor took a catch. Tendulkar though would ‘keep it on the ground’. He remembers fondly: “It was a medal for me --- when someone competes in the Olympics and wants to win a medal --we used to compete like that,” he told a news channel.
“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,” he said.
The success of Achrekar’s coaching was built on discipline and work ethic. As dawn broke, the nets would be in full swing. Late comers will not be allowed.
Sandhu said: “Before I met him, I was not aware of the talent I had. I simply followed whatever he asked of me. He was a father figure, helped so many players get jobs and settle down in life.”
Amre said: “I was 18 when I played for Mumbai. Playing for Mumbai granted you instant recognition. But Achrekar Sir insisted I should switch to Railways. He was looking at the longterm prospect, the best chance of playing for India, and his decision proved right. When I called him from South Africa after getting a hundred on Test debut, he was the happiest man on earth because his decision had paid off.”