
A file image of Ajit Wadekar.
Their careers got a new lease of life under his managership and no wonder Mohammed Azharuddin and Anil Kumble mourned the loss of a "father figure" in Ajit Wadekar, while Sachin Tendulkar described the former India captain as a big "influence".
Wadekar, 77, passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday after prolonged illness.
The cricketing world was in mourning, especially those who lives were touched by the man, who gave Indian cricket new belief by leading the side to overseas Test wins against England and the West Indies back in 1971.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We'll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter page.
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
Manager Wadekar had an instrumental role to play in making Tendulkar an opener, a position in which he flourished.
It was also under Wadekar that Azharuddin, who was till then a struggling captain after Test series losses in New Zealand, England and Australia, got a second wind from 1993 to 1996.
"such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family," Azharuddin wrote on his Twitter page.
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 15, 2018
For Kumble, Wadekar was a God-sent after he was dropped following the 1990 tour of England.
His comeback coincided with Wadekar's entry as manager during the 1992-93 tour of South Africa. He was never dropped during the next 16 years till his retirement in 2008.
"Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability!" wrote Kumble.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! 🙏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018
For Sanjay Manjrekar, Wadekar was a "tough character" as coach.
Manjrekar tweeted a video of Wadekar in cricket gear one last time during an undated charity match at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Mumbai.
"Ajit Wadekar's impact on Indian cricket is immense. His contemporaries worshipped him, such was his aura. Found him to be a tough character as coach. Exceptional Indian cricketer... RIP Sir."
Ajit Wadekar’s impact on Indian cricket is immense. His contemporaries worshipped him, such was his aura. Found him to be a tough character as coach. Exceptional Indian cricketer... RIP Sir.🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
Recorded this on my iPhone last Dec from Point in a friendly fixture. So glad I did. pic.twitter.com/XbdFGn4Izp
Oh, I will dearly miss him 😔
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
This pic taken in that same match. I was very fond of him and I guess he didn’t mind me too much either.#RIPWadekar pic.twitter.com/lvFbcA3gx2
The legendary Bishan Singh Bedi was magnanimous in his praise even though he conceded that they had difference of opinion on cricketing issues.
"V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences of (sic) opinion but always respected glory of (sic) Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!".
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2018
Here are some other legendary players who paid tribute to Wadekar on Twitter.
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar sir. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2018
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar was an institution, significant beyond his numbers as a cricketer.
— ICC (@ICC) August 16, 2018
Insight into an affable, but very determined pioneer of Indian cricket 👇https://t.co/niaAZspg0M pic.twitter.com/bg9lcf8RHw
An iconic captain, a shrewd tactician, a father figure, a gentleman – tributes pour in for Ajit Wadekar from the cricket world and beyond.
— ICC (@ICC) August 16, 2018
➡️ https://t.co/izxRgMcsNa pic.twitter.com/y03Mf0rpIe