Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's childhood cricket coach and recipient of the Dronacharya Award, Ramakant Achrekar, died on Wednesday evening.
He was 87 years old. One of his family members told PTI that he passed away due to old-age related ailments.
"He is no more with us. He passed away this evening," said Rashmi Dalvi.
The great Sachin Tendulkar has always credited Ramakant Achrekar for every success he achieved on the cricket field.
Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, he also coached some other famous players such as Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe and Balwinder Singh Sandhu.
Sachin, BCCI pays tribute to Achrekar
Sachin Tendulkar, who is now retired from cricket, paid tribute to his coach on Twitter. He wrote, "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 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," Tendulkar tweeted.
As a cricket player himself, Ramakant Achrekar played in just one first-class match but he was vital in moulding Sachin Tendulkar as one of the best cricketers in the world.
