#IndiaInAustralia: India wear black armbands to pay respect to Achrekar
Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team honored Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar by wearing black arm bands on Day one of the fourth Test against Australia at the SCG. Achrekar passed away at the age of 87 on Wednesday. He was suffering from old age-related ailments. Achrekar was respected and looked up to by many quarters of the cricket fraternity. Here's more.
A mark of respect!
As a mark of respect to the demise of Mr.Ramakant Achrekar, the team is wearing black arm bands today. #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/LUJXXE38qr
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 2, 2019
Achrekar was a legendary cricket coach
While Tendulkar was Achrekar's most renowned protege, he was a legendary cricket coach in his own right. He was conferred the Dronacharya Award and the Padma Shri in 1990 and 2010 respectively. Achrekar devoted most of his life to cricket coaching, and produced around a dozen international players, including the likes of Ajit Agarkar and Vinod Kambli.
Achrekar constantly pushed Tendulkar's limits
Tendulkar always looked up to Achrekar and reports state that on Teacher's Day, he used to meet him and pay his respect. Achrekar became Tendulkar's coach when the latter was just 11 years old, and the duo enjoyed a long partnership. Achrekar constantly pushed Tendulkar's limits and that helped the Mumbaikar to go and set standards on the cricket field.
A special message from Tendulkar
You’ll always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/0UIJemo5oM
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 2, 2019
India on top against Australia on Day one in Sydney
India dictated the show against Australia and ended Day one on the front foot. The visitors are 303/4 at stumps. Cheteshwar Pujara slammed his 18th Test career ton and a third of the series. He remained unbeaten on 130. Mayank Agarwal (77) and Hanuma Vihari (39*) played important roles as well. For Australia, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood picked two wickets.
