Team India wears black armbands as a mark of respect to Ramakant Achrekar

The ongoing fourth Test between India and Australia in Sydney started on an emotional note. With so much at stake for both the teams in the game, one can expect yet another classic Indo-Australia Test. But before the players start their fierce rivalry on the field, the game witnessed an emotional moment. Team India players came out on the field sporting black armbands in the Pink Test at the SCG.

The players paid tribute to Ramakant Achrekar, the cricket coach who died on Wednesday at his residence aged 87. A beloved coach in Mumbai’s cricketing circles, Achrekar gave India several top-class talents with Sachin Tendulkar being his most notable and famous student. Other names who learned their game from Achrekar are Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Chandrakant Pandit, Lalchand Rajput, Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe, Ajit Agarkar, Paras Mhambrey, Ramesh Powar.

“Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar sir. Like many of his students, I learnt my ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance. His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on,” said Tendulkar in an emotional tribute.

“As a mark of respect to the demise of Mr.Ramakant Achrekar, the team is wearing black arm bands today. #TeamIndia,” wrote BCCI as they posted a photograph of players walking out to the field with black armbands.

Meanwhile, Team India won the toss and decided to bat first in the fourth and final Test. They started the proceedings on a forgettable note as recalled opener KL Rahul failed to grab his chances and was out for just 9. However, newcomer Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara held firm and took India safely to Lunch. They have consolidated on the position and went into tea at 177/2.

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