Ramakant Achrekar, a legendary Indian cricket coach, left an indelible mark on the sport, most famously through his mentorship of Sachin Tendulkar. His influence extended far beyond this iconic partnership, shaping generations of cricketers. Let’s delve into his remarkable life and career.
Biography/Wiki
Born on December 5, 1932, in Malvan Village, Maharashtra, Ramakant Achrekar, affectionately known as “Baba,” moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) at age 11. He received his education at Chabildas High School in Dadar West, where his passion for cricket ignited.
After a brief stint at the State Bank, where he befriended fellow cricketer Ajit Wadekar, Achrekar transitioned into coaching, a path that would define his legacy. His early career saw him working with various clubs before establishing his own, Kamat Memorial, at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park.
Family
Achrekar came from a cricketing family; his father, Vithal Achrekar, played for the New Hind Club. He had five daughters, one of whom, Kalpana Murkar, followed in his footsteps, becoming a cricket coach herself.
Career
Achrekar’s playing career included a single first-class match in 1964 for the All-India State Bank, scoring 30 runs. His coaching career, beginning around 1967-68, is where his true impact lies. He mentored numerous cricketers at Shivaji Park. His coaching style was demanding yet nurturing. He fostered a strong bond with his students, often rewarding good performance with treats.
His unique relationship with Sachin Tendulkar is legendary. Achrekar’s methods, while strict, helped shape Tendulkar into the cricketer he became. The emphasis on rigorous practice and discipline was key to Achrekar’s success.
| Player | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | One of the greatest batsmen of all time |
| Vinod Kambli | Successful First-Class Cricketer |
| Ajit Agarkar | Represented India in Test Matches |
| Balwinder Singh Sandhu | International Cricketer |
| Chandrakant Pandit | Successful First-Class Cricketer |
Awards/Honours
- 1990: Dronacharya Award
- 2010: Padma Shri
Death
Achrekar passed away on January 2, 2019, at his residence in Mumbai due to age-related health issues. He remained wheelchair-bound following a paralytic attack in the late 1990s.
Facts
- Considered one of India’s most celebrated cricket coaches.
- His father was also a cricketer.
- Ramnath Parkar was his first student to play Test Cricket.
- He famously never told Sachin Tendulkar “well played,” believing it would lead to complacency.
- He coached many international cricketers beyond Sachin Tendulkar.
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