December 4, 2024: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar recently met his childhood friend and fellow cricketer Vinod Kambli to unveil a memorial for their revered coach, Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The event was attended by several prominent figures from the cricket world, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and former cricketers Pravin Amre and Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team.
In a heartwarming moment captured in a video shared by Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Sachin walked over to greet Vinod Kambli, and the two childhood friends, who were mentored by the legendary Ramakant Achrekar, shared a warm embrace and a brief chat. The memorial was dedicated to Achrekar, who played a pivotal role in shaping the early careers of both Sachin and Kambli, guiding them through their formative years at the iconic Shivaji Park.
Achrekar, a respected cricket coach, is widely credited with discovering and nurturing some of India’s finest cricketers, and the memorial stands as a tribute to his immense contribution to the sport. The unveiling ceremony was a poignant occasion for both Sachin and Kambli, reflecting on their early days under Achrekar’s mentorship that played a crucial role in their rise to cricketing stardom.