Dronacharya awardee cricket coach, Ramakant Achrekar passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday in Mumbai. He is credited for shaping the career of arguably India's greatest batsman, Sachin Tendulkar. 

Achrekar also coached several other cricketers from Mumbai including the likes of Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe, Ramesh Powar, Chandrakant Pandit, Ajit Agarkar and Balwinder Singh Sandhu. 

Sachin Tendulkar made it a practice to visit his coach on every Teacher's day and till date credits his influence on his life and his cricket career. Despite his fame and achievements, he never forgot the person who played such a crucial part in his life.

After hearing about Achrekar's death, Tendulkar told Indian Express, “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. 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."