Ajit Wadekar’s mortal remains were laid to rest in Mumbai today morning at a crematorium at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Sandeep Patil, Nilesh Kulkarni and domestic cricket stalwart Padmakar Shivalkar, Jatin Paranjape and his father Vasu were the ones to pay tributes to the late cricketer at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was also there to pay tributes and offer his respects to the late cricketer. Wadekar passed away at the age of 77 at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.

“This is an irreparable loss. I will say it is a personal loss. People know Wadekar sir as a great cricketer, but I was fortunate enough to see him as a great cricketer as well as a wonderful person. For me he was very important. Over the years our relationship grew stronger,” Tendulkar said while paying his last respects to the departed soul. Tendulkar had also stated that Ajit Wadekar played a vital role in shaping his career. “Wadekar sir has a big contribution in my life, especially at a critical stage. I was a 20-year-old youngster at that time and it was easy for me to go off the track,” he said. “At that time I needed the guidance of an experienced person, who himself had played and performed at that level. He understood how to bring the best out of the players. I was personally benefited by his presence in the team.”

It's an Irreparable, Personal Loss - @sachintendulkar Pays Tribute to Wadekar !! #SachinTendulkar #Sachin #ajitwadekar

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Saba Karim, Sameer Dighe, Vinod Kambli and ex-hockey Captain MM Somaiya were also present at Wadekar’s Worli residence.  Wadekar was laid to rest with full state honours. His body was wrapped in Tri-colour and the Mumbai Police gave him a gun salute.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 10:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).