A gem is a most difficult stone to identify, cut, polish and the pain it goes through in the entire process makes it a jewel which everyone loves to wear and be proud of. The lapidary or diamantaire who is the real maker of the jewel takes a backseat and moves on to identify the next gem.
The coach is like that jewel maker who slogs selflessly for bringing the best out of the stone to make it a real possession.
With passing away of Ramakant Achrekar (sir), one of the most legendary coaches India has ever seen, the cricket has lost its one of the biggest contributors of the game.
For many, he was the coach of the Master, Kambli, Agarkar, Amre and so many such legends.But as sir embarks upon his last journey, it’s all about him and remebering the humble gentleman.
Coaching is one of the most difficult professions one can undertake. Coaches may not posses the most athletic built or skills but what they need to have is most calculative mind, shrewd cricketing (game) acumen and neutral enough to be fair to all their students.
Coaching is not just teaching the nuances of the game, it’s not only about improving skills, neither it is about bringing out students as product of rigorous training but it is about bringing the best out of the students, it’s about bringing out self confidence and belief, It’s about imbibing values and integrity in the kids so when they make it big they are selfless and put their team and country above themselves.
Coaching does not necessarily mean calling students at wee hours to the ground, neither it requires to be a task master but what coaches must provide is the trust to the students and their parents. No parents, would want their most privileged pride to be handed over to an unknown entity. Coach is a teacher who many times plays the role of a father or a mother, is there in all ups and downs and is the first witness of failures or glory of his students. Above all, he has to understand true potential of his student, be blunt enough to groom and rude enough to tell parents (and kids) about real calibre of the student.
Achrekar (sir) was true amalgamation of all the qualities a coach is made up of. He not only slogged endlessly for his students (profession had no monetary returns in 80s when he became a coach) but brought out players who changed the way the game is played today. He built a generation of players who made the country proud with their deeds and the one who creates a GOD is no less a mortal.
Achrekar(sir) is no more with us but his preaching, honesty, integrity and selfless love for the game would remain with us for years to come.
RIP sir !
We are going to miss your smile and cricketing genius in you with that peculiar cap.You were the real Dronacharya for us :)
P.S. The blog is a personal condolence and bowing to one of the most respected coaches India has ever seen or produced and does not comment about the Achrekar sir’s students, their careers or playing days.
Please feel free to share the blog.
- Jayawant
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