The relationship between a teacher and his/her disciple has been revered for centuries, and more so in India as the ‘guru-shishya parampara’. And an individual who has time and again proven to be an ardent believer in it, is legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster never misses a chance to show gratitude towards his childhood coach and Dronacharya awardee Ramakant Achrekar.
Here’s a look at seven times Sachin Tendulkar spoke fondly of Achrekar, who passed away in Mumbai on 2 January.
Let the World Clap For You: Achrekar Sir To Sachin
“Back in my school days, I used to play only for the junior team and our senior team was playing the Harris Shield finals at the Wankhede Stadium. And our coach Ramakant Achrekar sir had organised a practice match for me. He had told me to go there after school and bat at number four. He said he had spoken to the captain and you would not need to field. That used to be my training. That was important because you needed to figure out your game there and figure out how to score runs in the middle. But I left all of that and sat at the Wankhede watching the Harris Shield final, cheering the senior team, clapping. After the match, I saw Achrekar sir and I thought it would be good to wish him. He asked me how many runs I got in the match and I told him I never went to play it because I wanted to cheer the senior team and clap for them. Then he scolded me a lot in front of everybody and said I did not need to clap for others. He said I should take care of my own game and do something so that one day, the world can clap for you.”Sachin Tendulkar
‘Achrekar Sir Made Me Realise the Importance of Fitness’
“...My coach (Ramakant Achrekar) was instrumental in making me realise that fitness is going to be a key factor. But he made things enjoyable for me. I never once felt that why am I doing this.”Sachin Tendulkar
‘Coaches Are Like Parents’
“Coaches, gurus are like our parents, because we end up spending so much time with them, we learn so many things from them. Sir was strict at times, extremely strict and also caring and loving. Sir did not say well-played to me ever, (but) I knew (when) Sir has taken me to have bhelpuri or paani-puri, Sir is happy, I have done something nice on the field.”Sachin Tendulkar
‘You’ve Had Immense Contribution in My Life’
“My cricket career started when I was 11. The turning point of my career was when my brother (Ajit) took me to Achrekar sir. I was extremely delighted to see him up in the stands. Normally he sits in front of the television and he watches all the games that I play. When I was 11/12, those were the days when I used to hop back on his scooter and play a couple of practice matches a day. The first half the innings I would be batting at Shivaji Park, the second half, at some other match in Azad Maidan. He would take me all over Mumbai to make sure I got match practice. On a lighter note, in the last 29 years, sir has never ever said 'well played' to me because he thought I would get complacent and I would stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and wish me now, well done on my career, because there are no more matches, sir, in my life. I will be witnessing cricket, and cricket will always stay in my heart, but you have had an immense contribution in my life, so thank you very much.”
‘Your Contributions Have Been Priceless’
"#HappyGuruPurnima to Achrekar sir and other coaches who have helped me through out my career. Your contributions have been priceless!"
‘Couldn’t Have Done All This Without You’
“Today, Guru Purnima, is the day we remember those who have taught us to be better versions of ourselves. Achrekar Sir, I couldn’t have done all this without you. Don’t forget to thank your gurus and take their blessings. Atul Ranade and I just did.”
‘Well Played, Sir’
“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.”