The legendary coach Ramakant Vithal Achrekar is someone who doesn't need any introduction. The Dronacharya awardee cricket coach succumbed to illness aged 87.
The legendary coach Ramakant Vithal Achrekar is someone who doesn't need any introduction. The Dronacharya awardee cricket coach succumbed to illness aged 87.
The coach who was well known for molding Sachin Tendulkar to become the ‘God of Cricket’ also coached many of India’s great players. A look at the ordinary people who were made extraordinary by Ramakant Achrekar.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
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Ramanath Achrekar coached young cricketers at Shivaji Park, Dadar in Mumbai. That is where the young master blaster trained while he was a student at Sharadashram Vidyamandir, Mumbai.
It is said that when Tendulkar would practice for hours and became exhausted, Achrekar would put a one-Rupee-coin on the top of the stumps.
The bowler who would dismiss Tendulkar would get the coin but if Tendulkar passed the whole session without getting out, the coach would give him the coin.
Tendulkar has in total of 13 coins which according to him are his most prized possessions.
(Image: AFP)
2. Vinod Kambli
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Along with Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli was also coach by the great. The two boys had shared a 664-run partnership in the semifinals of an inter-school cricket tournament.
Vinod Kambli who was 16 was unrelenting, till Achrekar, forced them to declare.
Kambli was on 349 and Tendulkar on 326.
The duo later came to know that they had created a world record.
(Image: Vinod Kambli Twitter)
3. Chandrakant Pandit
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The prolific run-getter with over 8000 first-class runs, Chandrakant Pandit had taken Vidarbha to the historic victory after they clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
Pandit said that while he used to play for the school, Achrekar used to always back him for the sweep shot.
He credits the discipline he has to Achrekar.
(Image: File Photo)
4. Pravin Amre
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Pravin Amre’s contribution has been humble as a cricketer. Amre wanted to make Achrekar proud and has ensured that the legacy and philosophy of coach’s school of coaching does not diminish.
He once in an interview said, “ I am very proud of my guru (Achrekar) and I tell all my players that whatever I teach them I have learnt from him,” Amre says. “I am just passing on that knowledge to the new generation.”
Achrekar did get the best gurudakshina.
(Image: DNA Research & Archives)
5. Ajit Agarkar
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The all-rounder had begun batting as a child. But his father gave him his first coach, Ramakant Achrekar who changed the way Agarkar played.
He had announced his retirement bringing down curtains on a 16-year first-class career. He had also lead Mumbai team to their 40th Ranji Trophy title.
(Image: Ajit Agarkar Twitter)
6. Sameer Dighe
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Former India stumper Sameer Dighe was also trained under the legendary coach Achrekar. He once said that he remembered the role played by the veteran trainer in his career.
"Pravin (Amre) used to keep wickets. But on sir's word for me, he left keeping when I was playing for Mithibai (College)”.
(Image: AFP)
7. Balwinder Singh Sandhu
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Balwinder Singh Sandhu who was initially an off-spinner was made an in-swinger by Ramakant Achrekar. The coach spotted Sandhu bowling pace.
The captains were instructed to make him bowl pace from one end. Sandhu would often end up bowling 20 to 25 overs at a stretch and was not allowed to bowl spin.
(Image: File Photo)
8. Amol Muzumdar
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Amol Muzumdar’s father decided to take him to the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar. In an interview, he had said, "In Shivaji Park there was a little bit of buzz about Achrekar sir. There were some students who were making names in Mumbai circuit - Chandrakant Pandit, Lalchand Rajput, Pravin Amre, and many others.
Sachin Tendulkar was my colleague, but even he was a big name at the age of 12. So there was a little bit of an attraction towards the cricket clinic that Achrekar sir was running at that time. And it was just next door. So one of those days my father, who knew Achrekar sir quite well, asked him to have a look at me. He came up to me and told me that 'tomorrow is you selection, just go and bat'."
(Image: DNA Research)
9. Ramesh Powar
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Prolific off-spinner in domestic cricket Ramesh Powar was also trained under coach Ramakant Achrekar.
On his retirement as a player he had thanked his coaches including Achrekar. “I am thankful to Vasu sir for what I am today and Achrekar sir for all the values and principles that he taught me. After I played my first game for Mumbai, I was confused if I had to continue playing cricket or get on with life by taking up a job. My coaches helped me along in taking the right decision.”
(Image: File Photo)
