Ramakant Achrekar built foundation that I stand on: Tendulkar

New Delhi [India], Jan 2 (ANI): Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday said that his childhood Coach Ramakant Achrekar had built the foundation on which the master blaster stands on.
"Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar Sir. Like many of his students, I learnt my ABCD of cricket under Sir's guidance. His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on," Tendulkar said in a statement.
Achrekar died in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 87.
"Last month, I met Sir along with some of his students and spent some time together. We shared a laugh as we remembered the old times. Achrekar Sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight. Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and May you coach more wherever you are," the statement added.
The cricketing fraternity was left in shock soon after learning the news of Achrekar's demise.
Taking it to Twitter, BCCI, the national governing body for cricket in India and stalwarts like VVS Laxman and Mohammad Kaif paid their tributes to the Dronacharya awardee.
"The BCCI expresses its deepest sympathy on the passing of Dronacharya award-winning guru Shri Ramakant Achrekar. Not only did he produce great cricketers, but also trained them to be fine human beings. His contribution to Indian Cricket has been immense," BCCI tweeted.

"My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of #RamakantAchrekar Sir, who was instrumental in giving a jewel to Indian cricket," VVS Laxman wrote.

"Condolences to his family and loved ones on the passing away of #RamakantAchrekar Sir, who shaped and gave us a gift called Sachin Tendulkar!" Mohammad Kaif tweeted.

"Dronacharya awardee, Padma Shri and @sachin_rt's first coach - Ramakant Achrekar sir passes away. #RIP" IPL franchise Mumbai Indians tweeted.

"Sad to hear about Ramakant Achrekar Sir's passing away. May his soul RIP. Cricketing World will always remember you for your contribution," Wriddhiman Saha wrote.

Last year on Guru Purnima, the master blaster along with Atul Ranade went to meet and pay their respects to their guru, Achrekar. (ANI)