Ramakant Achrekar, the man who shaped the careers of some of India’s finest cricketers, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, is set to be honored specially. The Maharashtra government has announced plans to erect a 6-foot-tall statue of Achrekar at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, the very ground where he nurtured young talent and laid the foundation for Indian cricket’s future stars.
A Tribute to a Legendary Coach
Shivaji Park holds a special place in Indian cricket history, especially as the training ground for Sachin Tendulkar under the watchful eyes of Ramakant Achrekar. Known as the “guru” who mentored not just Sachin, but also other notable cricketers like Vinod Kambli and Ajit Agarkar, Achrekar’s contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. Recognizing his pivotal role, the Maharashtra government’s decision to commemorate him with a statue is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Emotional Response
Sachin Tendulkar, who considers Achrekar as a father figure, expressed his deep gratitude and joy at this decision. In a heartfelt message on social media, Sachin reminisced about his time under Achrekar’s guidance at Shivaji Park. He mentioned how Achrekar’s life was intertwined with the game and the ground where he coached so many aspiring cricketers. “Achrekar Sir had a profound impact on my life and the lives of many others. His life was centered around cricket at Shivaji Park, and it’s only fitting that his memory will be preserved here,” Tendulkar shared.
The Legacy of Ramakant Achrekar
Ramakant Achrekar’s influence in Indian cricket extends far beyond his coaching. Despite playing only one first-class match, his true legacy lies in the players he mentored. Achrekar started his coaching career at the Kamath Memorial Cricket Club, where he developed many cricketers who would go on to represent India. His coaching style, marked by discipline and dedication, earned him the Dronacharya Award in 1990, and later, the Padma Shri in 2010, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
The Statue at Shivaji Park
The statue will be erected at Shivaji Park, the “Karmabhoomi” of Achrekar, symbolizing his lasting impact on Indian cricket. However, while the Maharashtra government will oversee the construction, the responsibility of maintaining the statue will fall on the BV Kamath Memorial Club, where Achrekar spent much of his coaching career.
This gesture by the Maharashtra government not only honors a coach who has given so much to the sport but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of cricketers who will continue to train at Shivaji Park, under the watchful eyes of Achrekar’s statue. The statue will stand as a reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into creating legends, not just in cricket but in any field.
