Sachin Tendulkar and his childhood friend Vinod Kambli shared a heartfelt moment during the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to their legendary coach, Ramakant Achrekar, in Mumbai on December 3. The event, a tribute to the man who mentored numerous cricketing talents, brought back memories of the duo’s formative years under Achrekar’s guidance.

A Nostalgic Bond Rekindled
Tendulkar and Kambli, both students of Achrekar, rose to fame during their school cricketing days, most notably for their record-breaking 664-run partnership. While Tendulkar went on to become one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Kambli’s career took a different trajectory. Despite their contrasting journeys, the bond between the two remains unbroken.
At the event, a video capturing an emotional moment between the two cricketers quickly went viral. As Tendulkar walked over to greet Kambli, the latter clutched his old friend’s hand tightly and refused to let go. Even as Tendulkar tried to move on, Kambli held on, creating a poignant scene that highlighted their enduring friendship.
In another touching moment, Kambli embraced Tendulkar and affectionately touched his head, evoking a wave of nostalgia among fans and attendees.
Honoring Ramakant Achrekar’s Legacy
The memorial event was attended by several former cricketers who were also mentored by Achrekar, including Paras Mhambrey, Pravin Amre, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Samir Dighe, and Sanjay Bangar. Each of them shared stories of how Achrekar’s teachings shaped their cricketing careers.
Contrasting Careers: Tendulkar and Kambli
Tendulkar, fondly known as the “Master Blaster,” retired as one of the most decorated cricketers in history, with a record 100 international centuries and numerous accolades to his name. Kambli, who made a dazzling start to his career with consecutive double centuries in his first two Test matches, struggled with consistency and discipline, leading to a brief international career that ended in 2000.
Kambli’s Struggles Off the Field
In recent years, Kambli has faced financial and personal challenges. He revealed in 2022 that he relies on the BCCI pension to support his family. Despite rumors about his health, Kambli has denied facing any major medical issues.
A Moment to Remember
The reunion between Tendulkar and Kambli at the Achrekar memorial served as a reminder of their shared history and the profound impact of their mentor. It was a heartfelt moment that showcased the strength of their bond, even as life has taken them down very different paths.