Teacher’s Day special – 5 childhood coaches behind Indian cricket icons from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli

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On September 5, as India collectively bows to the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the cricketing fraternity too pauses, not for the call of a toss, but for a moment of quiet, heartfelt tribute. Teacher’s Day in Indian cricket isn’t just about the sterile theories of chalk and talk; it’s about the raw, visceral lessons learned through the sweat of a thousand net sessions, the silence of a coach’s watchful eye, and the sacred, unbreakable bond forged in the fires of ambition and discipline. For every glorious cover drive and every historic triumph, there is a mentor, a silent guardian of talent who stood at the boundary, not seeking applause, but witnessing their masterpiece come to life. Today, we turn the spotlight from the celebrated icons on the field to the selfless gurus who stood in the shadows, shaping the very soul of Indian cricket.

1. Sachin Tendulkar & Ramakant Achrekar

The relationship between Sachin Tendulkar and his coach, the late Ramakant Achrekar, is a legendary tale of dedication and tough love. Achrekar’s coaching wasn’t just about technique; it was about building mental resilience. He would often make Sachin play against older boys to challenge him. One of his most famous methods was the “coin challenge,” Achrekar would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and whoever could dismiss Sachin would get the coin. If Sachin survived the entire session without being dismissed, he would get the coin. This simple act taught Sachin to value his wicket and bat for long periods. Achrekar was known for his strict discipline. He would even make Sachin play matches on consecutive days, sometimes at different venues across Mumbai, to build his stamina and concentration. This rigorous training regime was the bedrock of Sachin’s legendary career.

2. Virat Kohli & Rajkumar Sharma

For Virat Kohli, his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma was more than just a mentor; he was a second father. At the West Delhi Cricket Academy, Sharma didn’t just teach Kohli how to bat; he instilled the discipline and aggression that would become his trademark. Sharma recounts a young Kohli who was exceptionally talented but also a bit hot-headed. The coach helped him channel that aggression into his game, turning it into a strength rather than a weakness. Even after Kohli became a superstar, their bond remained strong. Sharma was a constant presence in his life, providing advice and support. In 2016, the Indian government recognized Sharma’s immense contribution by awarding him the prestigious Dronacharya Award, a testament to his role in shaping one of the greatest batter of all time.

3. MS Dhoni & Keshav Ranjan Banerjee

Before he was the “Captain Cool” of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni was a talented football goalkeeper. The man who saw his potential as a cricketer was his school sports teacher and coach, Keshav Ranjan Banerjee. When Banerjee needed a wicketkeeper for the school team, he spotted Dhoni’s reflexes and agility from the football field and convinced him to try out. It was a life-altering decision. Banerjee immediately recognized Dhoni’s natural talent, from his quick hands behind the stumps to his powerful hitting. He nurtured Dhoni’s raw ability, encouraging him to play with his natural flair and instinct. Banerjee’s simple decision to put a football goalkeeper behind the stumps set in motion a chain of events that would lead to Dhoni becoming one of India’s most successful and beloved captains.

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4. Rahul Dravid & Keki Tarapore

Keki Tarapore, a veteran coach from Bangalore, was instrumental in shaping the early career of Rahul Dravid. Tarapore was known for his deep knowledge of the game and his focus on the fundamentals. He helped a young Dravid develop the flawless technique, impeccable footwork, and unwavering concentration that would become his hallmarks. At a time when everyone wanted to hit big, Tarapore taught Dravid the importance of staying at the crease and building an innings. He ingrained in him the virtues of patience and discipline, which would later earn Dravid the nickname “The Wall.” Tarapore’s coaching was not flashy; it was built on sound principles and a belief that a strong foundation was the key to long-term success.

5. Rohit Sharma & Dinesh Lad

The story of Rohit Sharma’s transformation from a bowler to a world-class opener is a credit to his coach, Dinesh Lad. Lad first noticed Rohit’s talent at a cricket camp but saw him primarily as a promising off-spinner. It was only by chance that Lad saw Rohit’s natural ability with the bat. Recognizing his immense potential, Lad made the bold decision to promote him up the order. Lad’s coaching style was hands-on and focused on giving Rohit the freedom to express himself. He didn’t try to change Rohit’s natural attacking style but instead honed it, helping him become the “Hitman” we know today. Lad even helped Rohit financially in his early days, recognizing that the young boy had the potential to be a star.

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