Cricket fraternity, PM and Bollywood actors pay tribute to late Ramakant Achrekar

The cricketing world, on Wednesday, lost one of its most beloved and famous teachers – Ramakant Achrekar. The famous coach from Mumbai died at his residence aged 86. Achrekar will be always remembered for his selfless nature and gifting India with so many talented stars. Several of his students went on to play for India and Mumbai while several others landed jobs because of the cricketing skills that was imparted to them by the guru.

Achrekar’s most famous student is Sachin Tendulkar, the most decorated batsman in the history of international cricket. Other notable names who learned their game from Achrekar are Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Chandrakant Pandit, Lalchand Rajput, Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe, Ajit Agarkar, Paras Mhambrey, Ramesh Powar.

“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,” said Tendulkar in an emotional tribute.

As a player, Achrekar started his journey in club cricket in 1945. He represented New Hind Sports Club and Young Maharashtra XI before plying his trade for Gul Mohar Mills and Bombay Port. He, however, could play just one first-class game when he represented State Bank of India against a Hyderabad Cricket Association XI in a Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup match in 1960.

In 1990, Achrekar was conferred with the prestigious Dronacharya award for his services to cricket coaching. In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours in India. He also briefly served as a Mumbai selector.

Achrekar’s health had deteriorated since the late 1990s when he was paralysed. Consequently, he had been unwell for a while. In fact, he was under increased medical supervision since suffering a stroke in 2013.

The past and current cricketers, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Bollywood actors and several celebrities were quick to pay their homage to the great man.

Here are some of the messages:

Sad to hear about the passing of Achrekar Sir. Man who instilled grit & discipline in Mumbai cricket 🏏

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 2, 2019

Ramakant Achrekar Sir passes away.
Deepest Condolences to the family from Mumbai Cricket Association.

— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) January 2, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Ramakant Achrekar, to Sachin, and to all those close to him. We will always remember him with great fondness and respect for his contribution to Indian cricket.
May his soul rest in peace.
a.

— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) January 2, 2019

Shri Ramakant Achrekar Ji was a shining beacon of the Guru Parampara. An outstanding mentor, he groomed cricketing talent for years and the gems he trained went on to bring immense glory to the nation. His passing away is a big loss to the sporting world. My condolences: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 3, 2019

Saddened at the demise of Achrekar Sir. Nothing will ever replace his valuable contribution to the lives of many young cricketers who trained under his guidance. pic.twitter.com/Y1H9eaaOSB

— surya77 (@surya_14kumar) January 2, 2019

Dronacharya awardee, Padma Shri and @sachin_rt's first coach – Ramakant Achrekar sir passes away. #RIP pic.twitter.com/YanCL8CFQV

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 2, 2019

Ramakant Achrekar is no more. Deepest condolensces to the family and to his students including Sachin Pravin Amre and Atul Ranade. Will forever live in peoples hearts in India. Thanks Sir for all you did for Indian cricket.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 2, 2019

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

Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar passes away in Mumbai. He was conferred with Dronacharya award & Padma Shri award for his services to Indian Cricket.

He also coached some prominent players such as Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe and many more #RIPAchrekar pic.twitter.com/zO5RWIiybq

— ChepaukSuperGillies (@supergillies) 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

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

Rest in Peace Ramakant Achrekar Sir, Padma Shri and Dhonocharya award winner and Sachin Sir Childhood Coach #RIP #RamakantAchrekar. pic.twitter.com/TDA7eHmLei

— Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary (@Sudhir10dulkar) January 2, 2019

My cricket coach in school Ramakant Achrekar passes away. Fond memories of him teaching batting technique and a smack with the stump on my butt for dropping a catch during fielding practice. I miss playing cricket after a ball broke my head! Rest in peace my cricket guru.

— Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) January 2, 2019

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

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