I was personally benefited by Ajit Wadekar's presence in the team, says Sachin Tendulkar

I was personally benefited by Ajit Wadekar's presence in the team, says Sachin Tendulkar

SportsCafe Desk

By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Lamenting the demise of former Indian Captain and coach Ajit Wadekar, Sachin Tendulkar has stated that Wadekar’s presence in the team had benefitted him massively in his early days. After Wadekar passed, many cricketing personalities came to pay their tributes to him, including Sachin Tendulkar.

Ajit Wadekar passed away this Wednesday at a South Mumbai hospital at the age of 77. Wadekar’s mortal remains were kept at a crematorium, where his acquaintances and friends came to pay their last respects to him after which he was cremated at Shivaji Park.

Sachin Tendulkar has mentioned Wadekar's demise as an 'irreparable and personal loss’ for himself. Recalling his memories, Tendulkar stated that his presence had personally benefited him.

“Wadekar sir has a big contribution in my life, especially at a critical stage. I was a 20-year-old youngster at that time and it was easy for me to go off the track. At that time I needed the guidance of an experienced person, who himself had played and performed at that level. He understood how to bring the best out of the players. I was personally benefited by his presence in the team,” Tendulkar told PTI.

“This is an irreparable loss. I will say it is a personal loss. People know Wadekar sir as a great cricketer, but I was fortunate enough to see him as a great cricketer as well as a wonderful person. For me, he was very important. Over the years our relationship grew stronger."

Tendulkar mentioned that the Bond between them was visible on the field as well. Sameer Dighe, Vinod Kambli, MM Somaiya and MCA officials also came to pay their respects.

“He wore multiple hats — a great captain, coach and more importantly as my friend. I could sit with him in the evening for hours and talk about anything. Our bonding reflected on the field also. He had the capability to segregate. Whenever there was discussions on cricket or during team meetings he was serious and focused. But when we used to sit for dinner, that time he used to take centre stage with his humour. He was liked by everyone,” Tendulkar said.

“All players of my age have followed him. He was a brilliant left-handed batsman. This is a great loss for the entire cricketing fraternity,” Former Indian wicket keeper and BCCI General manager Saba Karim said.

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