Sachin Tendulkar Pens Emotional Guru Purnima Tribute to Late Coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park

Mumbai: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar today, July 29, 2026, paid a poignant tribute to his revered childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Tendulkar visited his late mentor's memorial at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park, the very ground where his cricketing journey began under Achrekar's watchful eye. Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav Unveil All New Cricket Culture Wear Jersey.

Sachin Tendulkar's Emotional Tribute

Standing here today, I realised something. No matter how many years pass, I’ll always feel like I have one more ‘thank you’ left to say.

Thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and helping me become the person I am.

Happy Guru Purnima, Achrekar Sir. pic.twitter.com/PzgaXztl1s

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 29, 2026

Taking to social media, the 'Little Master' shared images of his visit and penned a moving note, expressing enduring gratitude. "Standing here today, I realised something. No matter how many years pass, I'll always feel like I have one more 'thank you' left to say. Thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and helping me become the person I am. Happy Guru Purnima, Achrekar Sir," Tendulkar wrote, encapsulating the profound impact his coach had on his life and career.

The Mentor's Legacy

Ramakant Achrekar, affectionately known as 'Achrekar Sir', was instrumental in nurturing a generation of cricketing talent, most famously Sachin Tendulkar, who went on to become one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. Achrekar's coaching philosophy extended beyond the technicalities of the game, instilling discipline, dedication, and a deep respect for cricket in his students.

His unique coaching methods, often involving placing a one-rupee coin on the stumps to encourage Tendulkar not to get out, are legendary within cricketing folklore. Achrekar ensured Tendulkar gained extensive club cricket experience across Mumbai before his national and international debuts. Shubman Gill Reclaims No 1 ODI Batter Ranking; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Storms into ICC T20I Top 50 Rankings.

A Place of Honour

The memorial for Ramakant Achrekar, which Tendulkar visited today, was unveiled at Shivaji Park on December 3, 2024. This special tribute, located near Gate No. 5 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, does not feature a traditional statue but rather a symbolic arrangement of cricket stumps, a bat, a ball, and Achrekar's iconic tweed cap, alongside a large photograph. The Maharashtra government had issued a Government Resolution on August 28, 2024, permitting the installation of this monument to honour the celebrated coach.

Achrekar's illustrious career as a coach saw him receive the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 1990 and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2010. He passed away on January 2, 2019, at the age of 87, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Indian cricket. Happy Birthday Wanindu Hasaranga! Celebrating Sri Lanka's Dynamic Leg-Spinner As Former Captain Turns 29.

Among his other notable students are former India players Vinod Kambli, Ajit Agarkar, Pravin Amre, Sanjay Bangar, Chandrakant Pandit, and Balwinder Singh Sandhu, all of whom benefited from his exceptional guidance and profound cricketing wisdom.

Sachin Tendulkar's heartfelt homage on Guru Purnima serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a guru and shishya, and the profound influence a dedicated coach can have in shaping not just careers, but lives. His continued gratitude underscores the deep respect and love he holds for the man who laid the foundation of his cricketing eminence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).