Mumbai: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, whose journey from Mumbai’s dusty maidans to international stardom remains one of the sport’s most inspiring tales, recently shared a touching memory from his formative years under coach Ramakant Achrekar. Speaking about his early cricketing days at Shardashram Vidyamandir, Tendulkar revealed how a simple act of generosity from senior teammate Pravin Amre became an unforgettable moment in his life.
Recounting the story, Tendulkar said that when Pravin Amre returned from India’s Under-19 tour of Australia, Achrekar Sir had urged his young students to watch Amre’s batting closely. While observing his technique, Tendulkar and his friends also noticed Amre’s impressive cricket gear particularly a pair of imported cricket shoes that instantly caught their attention.
Amre, who was four years senior to Tendulkar, jokingly challenged him to score a century to earn those shoes. “He told me, ‘Score a hundred and take them!’” Tendulkar recalled. “When I finally scored a hundred, I didn’t have the guts to remind him of his promise. But to my surprise, Pravin himself came and handed me the shoes. It was the first good-quality pair I ever owned a moment I’ll never forget.”
Responding to Tendulkar’s recollection, Amre admitted he was deeply moved to learn that Sachin still remembered the gesture after nearly four decades. “I was overwhelmed,” Amre said. “That incident must have happened in 1987 or 1988. I had completely forgotten about it. Those shoes were imported, and such gear wasn’t easily available in India then. Knowing that I gave them to someone who became one of the greatest cricketers of all time fills me with pride.”
Amre went on to add, “When I told Sachin it was just a small gesture, he replied that at that stage of his life, it meant a lot to him. That’s what truly defines his humility and greatness.”
The anecdote offers a rare glimpse into Tendulkar’s modest upbringing and the camaraderie that shaped his early cricketing years. His acknowledgment of a simple gift underscores the values that guided his legendary career gratitude, respect, and humility.
From those early days at Shardashram to becoming the “God of Cricket,” Sachin’s journey continues to inspire millions reminding fans that greatness often begins with small acts of kindness and a heart full of humility.