Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar paid an emotional tribute to his late coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on the occasion of Guru Purnima, saying he would always feel there was 'one more thank you' left to express to the man who shaped both his cricket and character.

A Moment at the Memorial

Tendulkar visited the Achrekar memorial at Shivaji Park, laying flowers before it with folded hands. He was notably barefoot during the visit — a gesture widely seen as a mark of profound reverence toward his mentor. He shared photographs from the visit on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message.

'Standing here today, I realised something. No matter how many years pass, I'll always feel like I have one more 'thank you' left to say. Thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and helping me become the person I am. Happy Guru Purnima, Achrekar Sir,' Tendulkar wrote.

The Coach Who Built a Legend

Achrekar's influence on Tendulkar began during the batting great's formative years at Shivaji Park, the storied Mumbai ground that has long been a cradle of Indian cricket talent. The coach instilled the discipline, mental resilience, and technical rigour that became defining hallmarks of Tendulkar's career. Tendulkar has repeatedly credited Achrekar with preparing him — both technically and mentally — for the demands of international cricket at the highest level.

This is not a relationship defined by statistics alone. Tendulkar has spoken over the years about how Achrekar never praised him openly during training, believing that silence kept a young cricketer hungry. The tribute on Guru Purnima — a day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring teachers and mentors — carries particular weight given that backdrop.

Achrekar's Legacy and Honours

Ramakant Achrekar is widely regarded as one of India's most respected cricket coaches. He received the Dronacharya Award in 1990 for his outstanding contribution to coaching — one of the highest honours the Indian government confers on sports coaches. He was subsequently awarded the Padma Shri in 2010. Achrekar passed away in January 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy through the dozens of cricketers he mentored over decades at Shivaji Park.

The memorial dedicated to him at Shivaji Park was unveiled in 2024, with Tendulkar present at the inauguration ceremony. The ground itself remains synonymous with Achrekar's remarkable contribution to Indian cricket.

Guru Purnima and the Tradition of Tribute

Guru Purnima, observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, is traditionally a day when students across India pay respects to their teachers and gurus. For Tendulkar, the occasion has become a personal ritual of remembrance — a public acknowledgement that behind every record and every century stood a coach who first believed in the boy from Mumbai.

As Indian cricket continues to produce new generations of talent, Achrekar's methods and Shivaji Park's legacy remain a touchstone for what grassroots coaching can achieve.