XtraTime Web Desk: Like all the stalwarts of Indian cricket, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar too breaks his silence on the sad demise of Indian cricket legend Ajit Wadekar.
For Sachin Tendulkar, Ajit Wadekar will always remain the mentor, who ensured that a young cricketer didn’t lose the plot mid-way.
Today, in the morning morning, Tendulkar visited Wadekar’s residence to pay homage to the former India captain, who breathed his last on Wednesday.
“He had a big contribution, especially at such a critical stage. I was only 20 and it was easy for the train to go off track at that age. So, I needed an experienced person, someone who himself has played and performed at that level. He understood how to get the best out of his players. I personally benefited a lot from being in sir’s team,” Tendulkar said.
Having played at a time when Wadekar served as India’s coach and later as manager, Tendulkar remembers the moments when Wadekar would give advice on his batting.
“Time to time, I would get several messages and advice, even during the nets. He wore multiple hats – India’s great captain, Indian team coach and even more importantly, my friend.
“(Our) friendship was such that I could sit with him in the evening and talk about anything. So our bonding had become good and that reflected on the field,” Tendulkar said.
And what was the most important advice Wadekar gave Tendulkar?
“He had the capability to segregate. During discussions on cricket or during the matches, he would be absolutely serious and focused. And in the evening, during dinner, he would take centre stage,” he said, adding: “His humour was superb, he was always liked by everyone. We used to eagerly wait for the evenings so that we could sit and chat with sir.”
Calling it an irreparable loss, Tendulkar said: “It’s a personal loss for me. People have seen Wadekar sir as a great cricketer, I was fortunate enough to see both – a great cricketer and a wonderful person. And that’s really important for me.
“Over the years, our relationship was also strong. And I would much rather prefer to have those fond memories of him. Right now, I will remember the good times I had with sir.”