Ramakant Achrekar


Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar was an Indian cricket coach from Mumbai. He was most famous for coaching young cricketers at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai, most notably Sachin Tendulkar. He had also been a selector for the Mumbai cricket team.

Early life and career

Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar was born in 1932. His playing career was not as distinguished as his coaching career. He started playing cricket in 1943. In 1945, he played club cricket for New Hind Sports Club. He also played for Young Maharashtra XI, Gul Mohar Mills and Mumbai Port. He played in only one first-class cricket match, for State Bank of India against Hyderabad in the Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup Tournament in 1963.
His life and his inspiring career have been documented by journalist Kunal Purandare in the biography, Ramakant Achrekar: Master Blaster's Master. The book has garnered critical praise from various publications, including the Wisden India Almanack.

Coaching career

He founded Kamath Memorial Cricket Club at Shivaji Park. He coached and nurtured numerous cricketers, including the Test players Sachin Tendulkar, Ajit Agarkar, Chandrakant Pandit, Vinod Kambli, Ramesh Powar and Pravin Amre. He devoted himself in coaching to raising the standard of Indian cricket. The club is currently run by his daughter Kalpana Murkar, grandson Soham Dalvi and Pradosh Mayekar.

Illness and death

Ramakant Achrekar died on 2 January 2019 due to the old-age ailments. Numerous famous cricket personalities including Sachin Tendulkar were present for the funeral.

Awards and recognition