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Xtra Time Web Desk: Sachin Tendulkar expressed gratitude towards the Maharashtra government for their decision to erect a statue of his childhood coach, the late Ramakant Achrekar, at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park. Achrekar, a pivotal figure in Tendulkar's illustrious cricketing career, coached him during his formative years alongside several other Mumbai players who later represented India internationally. Shivaji Park holds special significance as the starting point of Tendulkar's journey to cricketing greatness.

"Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and many others. I speak on behalf of all his students when I say that his life revolved around cricket at Shivaji Park. This is where he would have wished to be forever," Tendulkar wrote on X. "I am very happy with the government's decision to build a statue for Achrekar Sir at his karmabhoomi," he added.

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Achrekar Sir has had an immense impact on my life and several other lives. I am speaking on behalf of all his students.

His life revolved around cricket in Shivaji Park. Being at Shivaji Park forever is what he would have wished for.

I am very happy with the government’s… pic.twitter.com/NIyVeYOy56

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 29, 2024

The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution on Wednesday, approving the installation of Achrekar's six-foot statue at an open space near gate no. 5 of Shivaji Park. The proposal was cleared by the Department of Urban Development, and the statue will be maintained by V Kamath Memorial Cricket Club without financial assistance from the state.

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Achrekar, a recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award, passed away on January 2, 2019, at the age of 87. He coached 14 players who went on to represent India, including notable names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ramnath Parkar, Eknath Solkar, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Lalchand Rajput, Chandrakant Pandit, Pravin Amre, Vinod Kambli, Sameer Dighe, Sanjay Bangar, Paras Mhambrey, Ramesh Powar, Ajit Agarkar, and Sairaj Bahutule.