Dronacharya awardee
cricket coach
Ramakant Achrekar, who is credited with shaping the early career of
Sachin Tendulkar, died Wednesday.
He was 87 and a family member told PTI that he passed away owing to old-age related ailments.
"He (Archrekar Sir) is no more with us. He passed away this evening," his kin Rashmi Dalvi told PTI over phone.
Best known for being the childhood coach of Tendulkar, who has always acknowledged him as his mentor, Achrekar was also a Padmashri awardee.
Besides Tendulkar, he also coached some prominent players in
Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre,
Sameer Dighe and Balwinder Singh Sandhu.
"Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of (Ramakant) Achrekar sir," said iconic former batsman Sachin Tendulkar as he paid an emotional tribute to his childhood coach who passed away Wednesday.
"His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on," added Tendulkar.
As a player, Achrekar competed in just one first-class match but was instrumental in moulding Tendulkar as a child, often driving him to stadiums on his scooter.