Ramakant Achrekar: The Coach Who Shaped Cricket Legends

Ramakant Achrekar: The Mentor Behind Cricket Legends

Ramakant Achrekar was one of India’s most respected cricket coaches, best known for shaping the career of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. His dedication to nurturing young talent made him an iconic figure in Indian cricket coaching.

Early Life and Coaching Career

Ramakant Achrekar was born on December 3, 1932, in Mumbai, India. Though he played cricket at a competitive level, his true calling was coaching. He started training young cricketers at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, where he identified and mentored many future stars.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Guru

Achrekar’s most famous student was Sachin Tendulkar. He recognized Sachin’s immense talent at an early age and trained him rigorously. He instilled discipline, focus, and a hunger for runs in Tendulkar, shaping him into one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Other Cricketers Trained by Achrekar

Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, Achrekar also mentored several other top Indian cricketers, including:

• Vinod Kambli – A stylish left-handed batsman known for his explosive stroke play.
• Ajit Agarkar – A fast-bowling all-rounder who played a key role in India’s bowling attack.
• Pravin Amre – A technically sound batsman who played for India in the early 1990s.

Coaching Methods and Legacy

Achrekar was known for his strict and disciplined coaching style. He made his students practice for long hours and even arranged multiple practice matches in a day to improve their temperament. His legendary method of placing a coin on the stumps as a reward for not getting out helped develop strong defensive techniques in young cricketers.

Awards and Recognition

Ramakant Achrekar’s contribution to Indian cricket was recognized with several prestigious awards:

• Dronacharya Award (1990) – India’s highest coaching honor.
• Padma Shri (2010) – One of India’s highest civilian awards.

Life After Coaching

Even after retiring from active coaching, Achrekar continued to inspire young cricketers. He remained a mentor and guide to many players who sought his wisdom.

Passing and Legacy

Ramakant Achrekar passed away on January 2, 2019, at the age of 86. His contribution to Indian cricket remains unparalleled, and he will always be remembered as the coach who gave the world Sachin Tendulkar.

Achrekar’s legacy lives on through his students and the values he instilled in them. His teachings continue to inspire generations of cricketers, making him one of the most revered figures in Indian cricket history.