Raj Singh Dungarpur has guided me all the way: Sachin Tendulkar

Indian legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has praised Raj Singh Dungarpur for guiding him throughout his career in his playing days. He recalled the time when Raj helped him for the major part of his career. Tendulkar inaugurated a gate named after Dungarpur, who was a former selection committee chairman, at the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

The Master Blaster is currently enjoying his life after serving Indian cricket for more than 24 years successfully. He created huge records and is termed as ‘God’ of cricket in the country where the sport is considered a religion. He is one reason why the masses started watching cricket and following the sport in the country, Sachin is also an immensely popular and highly respected human being all over the world.

It is a great feeling to come back to CCI

Tendulkar recalled the time when the former BCCI president saw him for the first time. “It is a great feeling to come back to CCI. When it comes to Raj Bhai I really don’t know where to start because I get confused, we had that kind of relationship, he has guided me all the way. The first time Raj Bhai saw me was when I was 13-14, I had scored some runs against CCI, I was playing for Shivaji Park Youngsters, I had scored some runs, even Madhav Apte Sir was that time keeping for CCI and it was an honour to play against him,” he said according to CricketNext.

“Once my name was recommended to Raj Bhai, he told me to come and play for CCI and bent all possible rules and allowed me to get in the dressing room at the age of 14, I was the only one and slowly in your (CCI’s) company got comfortable and results started following,” Sachin added. He further stated that Raj helped him to train abroad by bringing in sponsors.

“I went to London a couple of times, and after that the encouragement continued. I got selected for Mumbai Ranji team and at that time coincidentally Raj Bhai was the Chairman of the Selection Committee and I had scored runs. My first season of Ranji Trophy was successful one,” he continued.

Tendulkar said Raj Bhai assured him that if he continued to play well back then, the day when he would play for India was not too far. “And his words came true and I played for India in November same year (against Pakistan in Pakistan in 1989),” the master signed off with a smile.